As the deer longs for running water, so my soul longs for you.              Psalm 42:1

Whenever I see a deer unexpectedly, I feel blessed. I live in the hills so it happens. I also feel brought back, reminded, that the thirst is there every day. The quest for fresh running water is constant for the deer, and should be for me. I should be always looking forward to the next few minutes of quiet reflection, of recall, of putting myself into perspective as a child of the father of the universe and beyond. 

Carmelites speak of the deer a lot, in their poetry prayer. Some churches have images of the deer drinking around the walls, or around the altar, always quietly there, finding and seeking. Never ceasing. A lifelong need.

Note to self:

don't leave it too long without the thirst quenching stillness of prayer.

A Holy place in Ireland, Gougane Barra, County Cork, where FinnBarr who was saved by the deer lived.