September 13, 2010
I experienced a moment of Godly insight, and it has perhaps changed my life forever.
As I approached the back door of the CowChows on my way outside, a hint of movement caught my eye. I paused, and there just beside the door and next to the baseboard, I found the most amazing event unfolding. An ant had managed to get caught up in a spider’s web, and the two were now locked in mortal combat.
I knelt to get a closer look. The ant was by no means a bruiser; head to tail he wasn't much bigger than a grain of rice, but the spider was only about half his size. Still, the battle was fierce. The ant, entangled as he was, was not going to go easy. His antennas whipped frantically about; he struggled mightily against the sticky strands but could find no leverage or purchase. The spider was both quick and smart; he kept to the backside of the ant, just out of reach of the thrashing arms, the twisting stinger, and crushing mandibles. With almost imperceptible speed he would repeatedly strike and retreat, always just out of reach of the struggling giant.
I watched for several minutes, amazed and enthralled at the skill and endurance of these two combatants. They seemed unequally matched and yet the tiny spider appeared to have the upper hand. But it was obvious, to me and to the spider that if the ant were to break free or somehow manage to get hold of the spider during that split second attack the rolls of predator and prey would quickly reverse.
The battle raged on for several more minutes and I could see that exhaustion was beginning to affect them both. The ant began to pause for a few precious seconds before renewing his efforts to break free. During these few seconds the spider worked feverishly to secure victory, but his movements were growing slower and his attacks less frequent. Again and again the spider moved in and then darted away, and over and over the ant thrashed and twisted and grew still.
I watched and waited, feeling as if someone should witness the end of this struggle for survival. It seemed as if the conclusion of such a momentous clash should not go unrecorded. The perseverance and determination with which they fought was inspiring and humbling. I watched and I waited for the end to come.
Finally, I said, "I don't have time for this crap," and I squashed them both. And, that's when the moment of insight found me. Perhaps, I wondered, that's how God feels sometimes. He watches and he waits while we struggle and fight. He wonders, perhaps, why we can't simply find ways to get along rather than more efficient ways to destroy each other. He hopes that after warring against one another throughout history we might at last find peace. And then, eventually and finally, he will say, "Eternity is too short,".....squish.
Fraternally yours,
Tim Couch
Now, on with the news........................
Tuesday, September 14, 2010: The Brethren of Friend Lodge No. 352 in Ozark, MO will meet in Special Communication for work in the 2nd Degree of Freemasonry. Two candidates will be presented for the degree of Fellow Craft. Dinner at 6:30 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 7:00 PM.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010: The Brethren of Solomon Lodge No. 271 A.F.& A.M. cordially invite you to the annual Installation of Officers ceremony.
The ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM with dinner to follow.
Saturday, September 18, 2010: You are cordially invited to a Masonic Evening with Hazelwood Lodge No. 459 in Seymour, MO. The evening will begin with dinner at 6:00; followed by the annual Installation of Officers ceremony; and concluding with the Traitor Episode, a patriotic play performed by members of the Scottish Rite Valley of Joplin.
This is open to the public. Bring your family and friends.
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