Yesterday as I approached Abbey of the Genesee on River Road three deer sprang from the meadow to my right and and crossed the road heading west. I slowed to nearly a stop and I thought of the passage from Psalm 42.
As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God
Indeed my soul does long for God and I know that is why I visit this abbey so often. As I arrived in the Abbey parking lot and was getting parked I noted three robins. Robins are usually harbingers of spring. It was only Groundhogs day, could spring be that close behind. I don’t know about when spring will come, but I do know I was delighted to see them. I noticed that two deer were grazing right in front of the Abbey Chapel. They were beautiful and I know they have no fear of men and women here because they know they are safe. I walked slowly to the chapel hoping not to frighten them and to enjoy their presence. I told them I loved them and I do. I continued on into the Abbey and made my way to the chapel where Vespers had just begun. Three deer and then three robins, gentle reminders of the Trinity and of the Incarnation itself.