The Watering of God

What I seek is the goodness of God that waters the dry places. 

And water overflows from 

one dry patch to another 

and so you cannot be selfish 

in digging for it.”

The Scent of Water 

by Elizabeth Goudge

It is a lovely day for a picnic, I think, and my doggers heartily agree though they know not where I’m taking them. Outside, together, is all they have need to know. I have chosen a shady tree near the edge of the pond. It is a mosaic of gradient greens, dark to light fluttering sweetly. The breeze is cooling and the smell of the earthy water floats gently upon it. The sounds of a distant lawnmower and birdsong, and is it bugsong?, drift all about me surrounding me in nature’s afternoon dance.

I had hoped that the poppets would swim and join the dance as I enjoyed a soft start to my midday but they stay by my side as if I were a blind woman; wary and watching. The little one copies them in a moment of unusual stillness but is soon easily and abruptly lured away by a pair of dark feathered, imperceptibly, red-throated hummingbirds with the tiniest wings. They are so quick that Bella can only sense them. She jumps where they might be just as they whisk away out of her reach, their instinctual timing impeccable. 

When they return, out of sight of Bella but close enough to me I can almost touch them, it is then that I can’t believe what I see. I am treated to a glimpse of an astonishing passionate salmon-pink throat. It is only for a moment and the miniature bird flies off to a nearby branch to pose, I suppose. The brilliant color is hidden once again. Could it be a volitional greeting intended for a select audience only? I am unexpectedly delighted and lose myself in their frolic.

When I come round again, I become aware of the field of the Canadian geese who have chosen my pond this year. They spread out on the lawn off across from me, safely out of reach of my hunting dogs. They are magnificent and regal somehow. 

I’m reading one of my favorite books again and it has inspired me to sit and seek the watering of God. As the afternoon carries on, my shade becomes less and the temperature more, but my heart swells full with the watering. 

Gratefully,

Anne

August 10, 2021