At the factory I’m employed at, I do morning rounds on a daily basis, checking the perimeter for problems and taking readings off all the meters that control our life, such as electric and water. At most times it’s just a boring excursion, doing what I like to call Mickey Mouse paperwork. Though important data, it truly is mind numbing work, but it has to be done, and so it is that I am the chosen one to do it. And once completed, all the info has to be entered into spreadsheets, a computer database, just in case someone ever asks to see it, which has never happened. And I thought computers were supposed to do away with so much paperwork. Instead, we now not only have piles of paper records that go back for years ad infinitvm, we also have digital copies. But if asked for, and it’s not there and available, it’s a “Ruh row, Shaggy!” moment; we could be in trouble. Oh well; ya do what ya gotta do, follow all the government rules and regulations to stay in business.

There are times, however, amidst the dull-routine rituals of a work day, an unexpected jewel will sneak up on you, if only you take the time to open your eyes and see. And I was fortunate to have been given such a gift the other day. It was a pleasantly cool, damp morning after an overnight rain when I almost walked right into Mr. Spider’s creation. If not for all the droplets hanging off the web, I would have had my face full of the sticky stuff, and Mr. Spider would have been jumping with joy at the big un’ he’d caught…..(“,) In looking at it, though, I was spellbound by the beauty and perfection of his work, and I’m glad I didn’t accidentally destroy it. Though at times I am tough and cynical, when necessary, I’m always struck by the wonders of nature, revealing the real soft side of my persona. And ironically, this digital age I was just bemoaning gave me the ability to capture this natural work of sorcery by using my cell phone cam.

And so it was, on this gentle summer morn’ in the mountains, I began my day being thankful that I not only had a job with boring tasks, but also thankful for all God’s creatures, great and small, that fill our life with visions of beauty. Thanks Mr. Spider; keep up the good work, ol’ boy, weaving your wonders of majestic magic.