Sneaky Spider

 

I entered the shower with my eye trained on the eight-legged creature already there. He was negotiating the slippery wall, tentatively extending a long leg before inching ahead in that direction.

I wasn’t too bothered … after all, he was moving so carefully I could anticipate where he might reach. Until suddenly he abseiled onto the adjoining wall. Obviously, when he wanted to, the spider could leap a distance in one go. Maybe I wasn’t as safe as I had assumed.

I’ve just been praying for COP26 in Glasgow. The earth is the Lord’s, and we so need his leading to stop the global rot which we have initiated. Some voices are raised against action, though. Voices insinuate that we can make a few tweaks to our lifestyles and all will be well. Keep mining for coal. Keep wrapping fruit in plastic.

Those of us praying for God’s guidance need to keep our eyes alert to the opposition, whose next moves may not be as predictable as we may think. May the Lord bless all who are preparing for COP26, and inspire them with vision and perspective and courage. May he open the eyes of those leaders who talk the talk but do nothing. May they recognise their roles and lead boldly. And may he thwart the efforts of those who seek to disrupt.

The enemy is not always a roaring lion. Sometimes he is a sneaky spider.