The Spider’s Lesson
“Patience in the web — a spider waits faithfully, trusting her work will provide.”
This morning, I stopped to watch a spider at work in her web. She’s been out there faithfully, stringing silk line by line, building, waiting, believing that what she needs will come to her. She won’t live forever. In fact, her time is short. But she pours her whole life into that web, knowing her work will carry on through her egg sacs and the next generation come spring.
And it hit me—aren’t we doing the same thing? Out here at DaleWood Farms, every fence post, every chicken, every hog pen, every handshake is part of our web. We’re spinning something bigger than ourselves, something that will outlast us.
The Birthday Wish
“Every line, every strand has a purpose — just like every step we take toward our dreams.”
For my birthday this year, I didn’t want things. I told Maci, all I really wanted was one hundred new customers. At the time, it sounded impossible. A big dream spoken half in hope, half in humor.
Well, the day came. We laughed, celebrated, made memories with family and friends. I didn’t have a hundred new customers then. But just a few weeks later, here we are—and between the conversations Maci’s had, the connections she’s made, and the folks already lining up for spring pork, chickens, and goats, we might be sitting on that very number. Maybe even more.
That humbled me. It reminded me of the power of speaking something into existence, of believing enough to put it into words.
Naming It, Claiming It
“The markings of legacy — proof that even in small details, nature reminds us of what endures.”
For years, Maci and I prayed for help on the farm. We wrote out what we needed. We dreamed of building something that would serve our family and community. No, we don’t have every box checked yet. But when I look at the list today, I see how much closer we are. Each season, we’re knocking out one more line.
It’s not so different from paying off debt. Financial gurus will tell you to line up your bills, knock out one, then the next. Before long, you’re free. Life’s the same way. Write down your needs. Speak them out loud. Claim them. Then get to work.
Closing Reflection
Just like that spider, we may only have a season to pour ourselves into the web we’re spinning. But if we do it faithfully, the work will carry on—through our children, our community, and the seeds we’ve planted.
I’m hopeful. I’m thankful. I’m humbled. And I’m proud to serve this community. If you want something, don’t be afraid to say it. Don’t be afraid to spin your web. You might just wake up one day and realize the impossible thing you wished for is right in front of you.