Principal's Ponderings

A New Web of Possibilities 

Sitting on my deck at home one morning on the summer break, I noticed a spider carefully constructing its web. The delicate strands stretched between posts, anchored firmly in place. Yet the next morning when I returned, the web was gone, replaced with a fresh one in a different spot (I assume it was the same spider but I did not check its ID). This tiny creature had picked up, released and built again, weaving a new pattern with new connections (assuming it was the same spider).

I watched, wondering: Why did the spider move? Had the wind disrupted its work? Did it need stronger anchors? Was it simply time for something new?

As we step into this new year, we too, are sometimes called to form new patterns and connections. Some of last year’s ways may no longer serve us. Maybe we relied on habits that need refreshing, or perhaps God is nudging us toward new relationships, fresh opportunities and deeper trust in Him. Each year I believe our children and teenagers need this freedom too, to find new connections.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Like the spider, we may find ourselves needing to let go of the familiar. A new year allows us to reset and remember to anchor ourselves to something stronger, God’s limitless love and direction. Instead of holding onto what was, we can trust Him to guide us toward new connections that will shape us for His purpose.

C.S. Lewis wisely said, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” What if this year, instead of fearing change, we embraced the new with expectant hearts? What if we let God redirect our steps, believing He is leading us toward something greater?

Let us approach this year with courage, weaving our lives into the pattern of His grace. Let us form new habits that reflect His love, build new relationships that strengthen our faith and anchor ourselves in His unshakable promises.

Just as the spider instinctively knows when to rebuild, may we trust that God is at work in our new beginnings. Our Lord is limitless, His plans for us are greater than we can imagine.

Blessings on your year ahead! 

Shalom,

Chad Smit