Creepy Spider at the Door!

Last night there was a howl of a cat fight and I recognised Truffles ‘voice’ amidst the screeching. Mike went out one door and I unlocked the front door and threw it open. I was about to barge out, but was stopped in my tracks by this creepy lady…

I got a big fright! My first instinct was to find out how to get rid of it! Shiver! I put the photo onto the Valley Trade and Swop Facebook page knowing that someone would know what kind of spider it is.

Sure enough, within seconds a number of people had come back with it being a golden orb spider, probably female. With a name at hand, I googled it and discovered they were right. It was a type of orb spider. I began to learn about this little lady. She likes to come out at night and will build her extensive web from a shrub to a wall and hang out close to fruit bushes where insects provide her nocturnal snack.

As soon as I had learned a little more, no longer was she a scary spider that nearly got obliterated – she was now a useful little 8-legged guard-spider helping me keep my strawberry and tomato plants insect free! Yay, little one, you may stay! With her guarding the door, I slept like a baby!

On waking this morning, I went to see if she has gone. One of the VTS peeps said she should be gone by dawn. Opening up at 5am, I was a little disappointed to find that she had indeed packed up her silky home and disappeared. I looked for a little and suddenly spotted her on the door mat….she scuttled towards me, had her photo taken…

…and then pitter pattered away and I haven’t seen her since! Perhaps she will be back tonight.

She did get me thinking. For many people, getting out the Doom, or taking off a hard-heeled shoe would have been an automatic response after meeting face to face with this little critter. I too was freaked out! But when I found out more about her, she became my friend and no longer a threat.

We are so quick to judge people as well. Yet when we hear their back-story and find out what makes them tick, we will soon find that we don’t want to shun them either. They are unique individuals who have stories to tell and help to give. We are just too quick to turn away, often in dismay and try and get rid of them as soon as possible.

Today, little lady spider taught me to not cast people away, but to pause for a moment and see beyond the horrible bits.

1 Peter 3:8

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Yes!

Keep the smile going.

God bless you!

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂