Gossamer

Today I was thinking about the word gossamer. It’s not a

word that is used much. Usually it describes something ethereal like the wings, hair, or clothes of an angelic or fabled being.  

As I walked out the sun-dappled driveway a sparkling gossamer web from the overnight industry of a spider spanned a large distance across the driveway. Gossamer was the word that popped into my mind and described the web perfectly – it was almost otherworldly it was so fragile and beautiful. I was momentarily arrested by its intricate design appearing to hang magically in midair as it trailed into invisibility since I could only see the portion illuminated by the sunshine. This was not a single thread, but a foot wide beautiful pattern. As I continued walking I tried to go around the web but I must have struck it as I saw it swing and fall.

I felt a small twinge of guilt for destroying the incredible work of the busy spider. Thinking about this spider brought to mind Charlotte’s Web, a book I loved as a child and a movie that my own children watched many times over. I thought of the story of Charlotte’s Web and how the loyal spider figured out what she could do to save her friend Wilbur the pig from the slaughterhouse. Spiders are pretty lowly creatures with a short life span and limited skills so Charlotte just did what spiders do best – she spun a web. But she was smart and creative and she spun words into her web, words to draw attention to the worth of Wilbur so his life would be spared.

First she spun ‘some pig’ into her web. It drew attention to Wilbur. Then she spun ‘terrific’ and ‘radiant’ into her web and everyone considered these gossamer messages to be a barnyard miracle. People began to see the pig with new eyes of wonder and worth and ultimately the farmer spared his life. Charlotte’s life was coming to an end, but Charlotte had used her time to help Wilbur live and also to see her children safely born. She was selfless and caring. Now there is the obvious appeal to this story of animals that talk and conspire together when humans aren’t around. I think even as adults we retain an idea that there is more going on with animals than we are aware of. It’s a lovely story about friendship, and helping your friend when they need you, and of course everyone was glad that Wilbur did not end up in the slaughterhouse. But I believe the broader appeal of the story is in the unexpected; the improbability of a common spider being the hero. A spider is definitely not who you would typically come up with to be the hero when considering all the barnyard creatures.

But more than that as I thought how beloved this story is and its longevity to continue to reach new generations I think it’s because we relate to and are inspired by Charlotte. Most of us feel that we are small in the scheme of things, have limited resources, and probably wouldn’t be written in as the hero of a story. We underestimate our own abilities. We think we are too insignificant to make real or significant change in the world. We routinely devalue our words and actions and aptitudes, often falsely, based on feelings or criticism. We underestimate the import of even our presence to family, friend and stranger. Charlotte’s Web tells us a different story; of how we can effect change and that we matter more than we know.

Think of someone in your life who is like Charlotte. Someone who really thinks you are someone special, someone who is on your side, encourages you, and has impacted your life for the better. You recognize how important they are to you. Imagine being that person to someone else; a spouse, a child, a friend, a stranger. Imagine offering kindness, affirmation, encouragement to others. Don’t underestimate the value of even a smile or eye contact and a kind word or greeting to a stranger who may be feeling invisible and worthless. These events, though insignificant to us may change the course of somebody’s day or life. Our seemingly ordinary words, work, and actions can have their own unique purpose and beauty like the gossamer web.

As I continued to think of the web in my driveway I thought about its impermanence; how webs are easily destroyed by objects, people, wind, or weather. I wondered if the spider would know, understand or care that I had knocked it down. I know I anthropomorphize too much and realize the spider does not have that level of consciousness and it will not suffer any existential angst wondering if what he does has value or meaning; nor will it be offended or angry and give up spinning webs. When Charlotte’s web was destroyed – she just came up with another word and spun a new web. So I imagine the spider on my property will just continue to do what it was created to do and spin another web.

I thought these were good lessons for me and maybe others resonate too. It is good to remind ourselves that we all have value and place and purpose and that we need to discover and use our gifts, strengths, passions, calls, impulses, and interests for good. I often need reminding to continue to move forward in courage not fear; in industry not apathy or frustration or anger; in hope not futility - doing all in love with others in mind, just like Charlotte the not-so-lowly spider. We are not powerless and we can effect change; we just need to keep doing what we can.

Who knew a spider would be my teacher this morning?!

*I did not take this picture. Unfortunately I did not have my phone with me when I encountered my gossamer web.