Up the Downspout (11:15) by Cliff Aerie
[Click on the image to be linked to the music]
Reflection: Remember the nursery rhyme of the itsy-bitsy spider who went up the water pout.What happened? Out came the rain and washed the spider out.Pity the poor spider lying at the base of the downspout—crumpled with tangled legs, gasping for breath. A seemingly tragic tale for this particular spider. But what does our intrepid arachnid do? Out came the sun and dried up all the rain, and the itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.
Here is the essence of a delightful homily. The spider does not give up but despite all odds goes up the downspout once again. Why the persistence? Is it because, like Mt. Everest, it is there? Or is there a more existential reason? We may not be able to get into the mind of a spider, but as you listen to this song ponder what it means to tenaciously seek a goal, complete a task, follow a dream, or determinedly follow the call of God. We may get washed away on the journey, but there is the hope that we can attain the Light, if we but only try again.
Prayer: God of hope and persistence grant me the courage to take another step on my journey of faith. Be with me during each stumble or obstacle that I may place my ultimate hope in you. Even if I fail to achieve my purpose, may I discover a new path in which to experience your love. Amen.