Oh Deer!

by Macy Johnson

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11-12 NIV)

Driving home from choir practice one dark Wednesday night several years ago, I was startled by a large doe standing perfectly still in the middle of the deserted two-lane highway. I quickly tried to mentally shove her off the path of my car. Bang! Into the ditch she landed! Thankfully, my car limped home and to the shop the next day to be repaired. Wish I could say the same for the poor deer.

I was again driving home from choir practice one evening, same church, same highway, headed in the opposite direction toward my new house. After driving through the densely-forested area, where deer usually cross, I recalled that encounter years ago. “They don’t come near open fields,” I thought, so I brushed the silent “Deer!” alert aside.

Suddenly I caught two eyes staring at me over my left shoulder, making a beeline for my car! I hit the brakes, hard enough to catapult my purse and all my music into the passenger-side floorboard. In what felt like slow motion, the determined deer kept coming, crossing inches from my bright headlights with a look that pleaded, “Please don’t hit me!” My thoughts were, “Keep on running and I’ll try not to!” Mission accomplished! The only consequences were a frightened deer and a relieved driver.

An angel was with me that night, whispering in my ear to watch out, pay attention. I also believe that a special connection, fortunately not a physical one, was made between me and the deer.

I will pay close attention to my alerts and connections today. I hope you will, too!