What’s bald and toothless, has two stomachs, sprints like Usain Bolt, and earned the undying respect of Benjamin Franklin? And should we care? Answer: Meleagris gallopavo, or wild turkey, a bird with secrets to share.
An ungainly foursome recently cruised our yard—one quirky photo-op.
I edged outside with my Lumix; they raced away.
The wild turkey can run 25 mph!* (see link below for the human comparison—on a treadmill.)
Flying full-tilt, a wild turkey clocks in at 55 mph!
Why this attention to speed on a site dedicated to sacred pauses?
You may recall Scottish Olympian and missionary Eric Liddell in “Chariots of Fire” saying: “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure.”
It set me thinking.
About myself I’d say, “God made me merciful. When I nurture others, I feel his pleasure,” and “God made me curious. When I learn, I feel his pleasure.”
Googling about our turkey gang, or posse, or raffle (never a flock) opened my mind to further insights. As the ancient prophet of Israel said: “. . . your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them (Is. 30:20B).
Turkey as mentor
For starters, a wild turkey enjoys vision three times superior to that of humans. Wild turkeys perceive the world in ways I can’t. They’re worth watching.
Our gang didn’t visit daily. But they haunted me.
I waited for insights to emerge.
“Turkey” as insult
Inept, stupid, ugly—in my youth, being called a turkey hurt.
Remember the too-stupid-to-shut-their-mouths-in-the-rain myth?
Snopes refutes this. A turkey, with its monocular vision (eyes on both sides of the head), does not drown gaping heavenward, eyes transfixed by rain. Gazing straight up, it couldn’t see rain if it tried.
Turkey as role model
We’ve hosted a savvy, itinerant tom and his harem, possibly a few jakes and jennies (teenagers). From a historical perspective, our visitors represent back-from-near-extinction survivors.
As are we all. Haven’t numerous crises over the years nearly taken us out?
Yet here we are, approaching Thanksgiving and maybe already calling to mind things we’re grateful for, in case we’re asked to propose a toast, or pray over the feast.
A new take on gratitude
Fill in the Liddell blanks: What adjectives and nouns describe you?
God made me _______. When I ___________, I feel his pleasure.
Not that we need to “perform” to please. I believe we delight God simply by being ourselves.
And God-given gifts enrich us all.
Stymied by those two blanks? Ask yourself this: What makes me consistently lose track of time? Does this coincide with activities upon which people I trust compliment me? And do I shrug off those compliments because doing _____ comes easily?
Let’s talk turkey
Too often we stereotype individuals. Races. Our enemies. Especially these days. Birds of a feather . . .
What would happen if we viewed those we encounter with the Eric Liddell quote in mind? How has God shaped them, and how does this uniquely delight the Almighty?
Imagine how this mindset might impact our conversation. Shape our questions. Sharpen our listening.
Imagine how this might alter our world view . . .
MAKE IT PERSONAL: Consider asking someone you trust to respond to the blanks you filled in. Or ask them to supply an adjective and noun they feel describes you.
Consider using the Liddell quote this week as a guide for conversation with someone you want to know better.
*To appreciate wild turkey launch speed from a standstill, watch Arizona Cardinal rookie Robert Gill rocket from standing (on a treadmill) to 25 mph: http://tinyurl.com/nlskwtw
Who knew turkeys were such inspiring creatures! Thank you, Laurie, for the lessons and insightful thoughts–a delightful read. As for that Eric Liddell quote, first I’d fill in the blanks with “encourage.” Little else fulfills me like building up someone’s confidence, inspiring them to persevere, or assuring them of their influence in the world. But I could put a number of verbs in the blank, because God made me to enjoy so many activities! Praise God for variety!
Isn’t it just like the Creator to package inspiration in such an ungainly shape! The people in your circle must treasure your friendship. Sounds to me like you have the Barnabus gene, among other gifts. Thanks for leaving a comment and blessings on your holiday plans!
Such a great post and conversation prompt. Thank you.
Carol, thank you. What a cool idea to use it as a conversation prompt. Might be a fun one around the holiday table this week.
Laurie, just this morning in our “Breath” Bible Study on the Holy Spirit (Beth Moore) she reminded us, “God’s gifts are given TO you but they are not FOR you….” Giving away what comes naturally is a joy indeed.
Connecting turkeys with talents amazes me…but then you see God in everything.
Jody, hi! What an intriguing study that must be. I appreciate the thrust of this thought you share here. And thanks for affirming that God’s been working in me. Like Abraham Heschel, I asked God for wonder. When it shows, I know progress is being made. 🙂 Blessings on your sabbath!
Laurie-
You amaze me. The way you move from the present observation to the universal and back again- a real gift. Keep writing. Love you- Lynn
Lynn, thank you! Fram, fram, I will press on. I’ve been surprised how fast a week goes and it’s time for another post! I have new respect for long-time bloggers. Are you back from your trip? Hope you can decompress before diving back into life. Happy Thanksgiving to you both!! xo L
Today: “God made me a communicater (sp?). When I write I feel His pleasure.”
Check with me tomorrow.
I may feel more turkey-esque.
Judi, I am wrapped in grins to read this! As to tomorrow . . . now what’s that verse? “The call and gifts of God are irrevocable . . .” Yes, Romans 11:29 Saluting your calling!
In the old English of the King James version, His gifts and callings are “without repentance.” That seems powerful to me right now. And more than a little overwhelming.
” We who are about to write salute you.”
Consider me duly saluted. And returning the gesture. I’m also waving my proverbial hat over my head in your honor!