"Doe, a Deer, a Female Deer"

Psalm 42:1

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.

A few weeks ago, as I'm finishing my morning coffee, I happen to glance out our kitchen window.  I'm surprised to see a doe laying down on our moss, and all by herself.  That's strange for two reasons - we always see female deer in pairs, and never, ever do they linger on our moss.  They much prefer the camouflaging leaves and bracken of the forest floor.

And the expression in her eyes?  I read it as one of either fear or anxiety.  What can possibly be her problem?  I wonder.  Talk about your proverbial deer in headlights!

I decide to take my shower, get dressed and then check back on the doe when I'm done.  Quietly, I step out on our deck to see if she's still there.  Yes, she is, and this time, she's not alone!  In the brief time I'm gone, the doe has given birth!  The fawn is still moist from its messy arrival, tottering clumsily on new-found legs.  I draw in a sharp breath of amazement.  That's enough to get the doe's attention; once again, the look of trepidation fills her eyes.  Not wishing to cause further consternation for her after what she's just endured, I silently and slowly retreat back into the house, regretting that I didn't have my phone with me to snap a quick, clandestine shot of mother and child.

That chance comes later in the day, fortunately, but it's Danny who takes the precious photos of the not-even-one-day-old baby with its mother.

Oh, what a thrill to witness this miracle of life!  And as I watch the doe treating her baby with such tenderness and care, I'm reminded of how God loves us so incessantly.  He wants us to draw close to Him so He can nurture us, protect us, help us to grow in His mercy and grace.

As the helpless fawn depends on its mother for physical sustenance, God wants us to depend upon Him for spiritual nourishment.  Our souls should ever and always pant for Him as a deer does for water.

Amen!