Now...A Wild Turkey!

In past blogs, I’ve written about the squirrels eating the seed I put out for the birds and the deer that destroy our flowers. Now I’ve got a new problem. There’s a huge, wild turkey that has decided it likes our neighborhood and especially enjoys eating the grass seed we’ve put down.  And as many times as I chase it away, it returns back to exactly the spot I chased it from. You might say, it’s a very persistent turkey. 

Of course, this is the price we pay for living in the suburbs—and right next to a wooded area as I do. In spite of the houses, roads, and all the other things we have built, we are surrounded by wildlife, much of which we have displaced. All kinds of birds, rabbits, deer, hawks, racoons, tons of squirrels, and now a turkey are just some of the creatures that live around us.  And in fact, our lawns and flower beds—and at times our garbage cans—supply more than enough food for them all. It’s no wonder they keep showing up! 

On the one hand, we might consider some of them to be trespassing on our property and stealing from us (as I often do with the squirrels, deer, and now the turkey). Yet, on the other hand, might it be that we have become the means through which God is taking care of his creation?  After all, Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” (Matthew 6:26 – NIV) In spite of the houses and roads we have built, it seems that God is yet providing for the creatures of nature—even if it is at the expense of our lawns and flower beds.  

Note, however, Jesus goes on to say, “Are you not much more valuable than they?”  Elsewhere he said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  (Matthew 10:29-31 – NIV) 

The implication is, if God is willing to take note of and care for the creatures of nature as he does, he will most assuredly take care of his children. Thus, as Jesus pointed out, we have no need to worry or fear about the things of this life, for we have a good heavenly Father who is watching over us and who lovingly takes care us. 

So, the next time that deer eats your flowers or turkey eats your grass seed—or racoon ends up in your garbage—be reminded that, if God is watching over them and caring for their needs, he will do so much, much more for you! 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris