Guest For The Night

A couple of nights ago, we had a sleep-over at our house. The rain had stopped and as darkness began to descend, I walked out onto the backyard deck, just to make sure everything was ready for a good night’s sleep. The trees are very thick just beyond the deck, except for a small clearing off to my right behind the tool shed. And when I looked that way, I thought I saw movement, slight but still something other than branches moving in the wind. And then I saw the big ears atop that graceful, gentle face. A young deer had found a nice spot next to a yellow wheelbarrow and apparently decided to bed down for the night. He looked at me very carefully, probably wondering if I might come too close and force him out of his comfort. I think our eyes locked for a minute or two before he glanced away, maybe deciding that I wasn’t a threat after all. By now darkness had chased away the light, and I wished the visitor a good night before heading back into the warm house. 

Then a thought passed through my mind, one that almost sent me back out with a flashlight. Was the beautiful animal injured? Is that why he didn’t move away when I looked his way? Why was he on his own at this point in his young life? Should I go back out and walk closer just to see if he could get up and move easily? After a few minutes of debating with myself, I decided to let him rest in that spot he had chosen, and to check on him early in the morning. My real wish was to walk up to him, sit down on the ground and tell him how grateful I was that he chose to camp out in the little clearing. Imagine how wonderful it would have been to let him know that he was safe, admired, and valued as a creature of sacred design. But that’s not the way life works, is it. Early yesterday morning, just as light began to filter into the trees, I slipped quietly out onto the deck and looked for my friend, our guest. But he was gone. I take that to mean he is healthy, out foraging for his early meal.  In any case, I wished him well in my thoughts and gave thanks for his company. Hospitality blesses the giver and the receiver. Maybe he will choose to come back to the clearing and bring a friend next time. Always glad to have a party.