Let’s talk turkey. Or eight turkeys.
This morning I took a new route on my walk. I’m trying to literally tread on new ground every day this week.
My path this morning took me to Kottinger, a street lined with lovely parks and character-filled houses. And wild turkeys.
I’d heard that they gather in the parks there (possibly discussing their plans for Thanksgiving) but I’d never encountered one wild turkey, let alone eight. So I proceeded with caution. I got as close as I felt was safe, bid them a good morning (to which they grumbled, or gobbled, a reply) and then headed to the other side of the street and went on my way.
Though I knew them by reputation, I wasn’t anticipating seeing them this morning. At first sight, they threw me off. Should I turn and run? Since it was eight to one, would they take me down? It’s much easier to know what to do with turkey when it’s sitting on my plate and I feel in control.
Curiosity and sheer stubbornness to stay on my selected route drove me to push back my fear and move forward. Eyes wide open, watching and ready, but moving forward.
And guess what? I lived to tell the tale! They turned out to be completely harmless and they added new interest to my walk. AND, I can eliminate something off my bucket list. Facing down wild turkeys. Check.
There are going to be “wild turkeys” in life. Things that surprise or frustrate or even scare us. “Random” things that we weren’t expecting along our paths that seem to block our way. Unfamiliar things that trigger a first response of fear or uncertainty. Unknown things that might make us want to stop in our tracks or turn around and go the other way.
But what if…
What if those wild turkeys are actually something we can add to our repertoire of experience? What if they help us face our fears and leave us stronger? What if they add new insight or meaning to our stories? What if those foul fowl bring our hearts closer to Jesus as we look to Him to know how to handle the situation?
Turkeys happen. But we can’t let them “gobble” (sorry :-)) us up. They are there for a reason.
And Thanksgiving is just around the corner….I promise…:-)
Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Psalm 56:3 – When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Proverbs 16:9 – In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
