The Retreat in New Hampshire

 

 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Yahweh weighs the motives. Proverbs 16:1-2 (WEB)

 

Heavy, gray clouds blocked all traces of an anticipated sunrise over the mountains. Rain pattered on the roof of the hotel’s veranda. Clouds swept over the tops of the mountains and reduced them to hills. 

 

            A collection of trees filled the valley and crept up the mountains. Tall evergreens hovered over golden, amber and brown trees. Bare white birch stood at attention along the edge. Together they formed a picturesque but muted forest in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I hoped to see an infusion of brilliant colors all over the mountains but rain days earlier caused leaves to drop and dim. 

 

            For two days rain kept me inside the grand, historic hotel with only views of the expansive grounds. Although my experience didn’t meet my expectations of vibrant, autumn colors, the cooler weather and subdued colors provided a welcome change from warm and green Florida. I marveled at God’s creation so different from my lake view.

 

            From my seat on the long porch, I noticed a stream that emerged from the woods and rushed along the rocky banks. Mist slipped down the mountains and obscured more of the forest. Peacefulness settled over me as I watched the changing view. 

 

            After my bout of covid, the Asbury Seminary Retreat provided peace and healing for me. Speakers from the seminary spoke to my heart. Wonderful music soothed my soul. I enjoyed meeting interesting, new friends. 

 

            I had prayed to know who should get the books I packed in my suitcase. My grief ministry expanded as I heard stories of loss from other participants. I gave out three books for those who had recently lost loved ones.

 

            Although my expectations for vibrant fall colors didn’t materialize, the subtle beauty of the mountains and countryside supplied serenity and a time for contemplation. 

 

            Throughout life, plans change and hopes are dashed. Instead of lamenting over losses, embrace new opportunities and see what surprises God has planned.   

 

Heavenly Father, when my plans are thwarted, you know what lies ahead and can turn it into something good. Amen.   

The Massive Spider Web

 

Plans fall apart without proper advice; but with the right guidance, they come together nicely. Proverbs 15:22 (The Voice)

 

Sunlight struck my face as the sun rose above the trees. As I squinted and looked toward the lake, I noticed a glistening masterpiece suspended from my oak tree. For several minutes I stared at it. 

 

            With my binoculars, the intricacies of the spider web came into focus. A silver thread attached the top of the web to a high branch about twenty feet from the ground. Five or six strands hung from the bottom but the ends eluded me. 

 

            The giant web contained thick fibers radiating from the center to the outside like spokes on a wheel. More threads wove round and round between them in a beautiful, lacy design. 

 

            The captivating creation brought so many questions. How could a little spider construct a web so high? After working so diligently to develop it, what happened to the spider? Did the web catch any prey? What caused the large holes? 

 

            Because of the pandemic and being isolated, I have spent more time in my garden retreat enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. For months, many spider webs glistened in the grass, on small bushes and a few in trees. However, none had been as massive or as high as the recent one. 

 

            The little critter had to drop ten or fifteen feet from the top of the tree as it formed the first strand of the web. It dangled far above the ground to work on the web. Round and round it went to fashion the immense design. Diligently, it went further down to attach the web at the bottom. Up and down to hold it firmly with five or six threads. 

 

            After all of that work, something hit or flew through the web and made a couple of large holes. Did the spider receive any food from the web? Was it eaten by whatever made the hole? I will never get answers to my questions but the web made me think.

 

            Just as the spider accomplished its tedious, demanding work so do we. Our lives are formed with complex designs. We work and work forming what we think is best. Then losses, disappointments… cause holes to form in our plan. Sometimes they can be repaired easily and other times not. But if we have a firm anchor in Jesus, He will hold us securely even when the plan seems to be falling apart. 

 

Loving Father, what an amazing creation you have made. Thank you for everything from spider webs to our intricate lives. Amen