The Rev. Canon Anne E. Kitch
Canon for Ministry Formation and Transitions
As the deer longs for the water-brooks,
so longs my soul for you, O God.
Psalm 42:1
As we round a curve on our walk, I motion my daughter to stillness. Ahead of us some deer venture out of the cover of the trees and into the open. Even in the city they are not an unusual sight, but I am captivated nonetheless. They seem delicate and quivering, but I know the power contained within their grace.
This park is somewhat hidden, tucked into an unexpected corner in the midst of the city.
My daughter has been here before, but I am just discovering it at her invitation. On a busy afternoon, we both were drawn to set our feet on a different path.
Behind and below the line of trees I sense the creek that must be there. The deer seek out water every day as a matter of course. And not just once. All along their way they stop to appease their thirst.
So I am called to be with God, to seek out the Holy with my first waking breath, and then to take in the life-giving water throughout the day. Not just at certain times, but also as I stumble across it. And not only by stumbling across it, but by expecting it, having my senses tuned to the source of life.