Why did the turkey cross the road?

When we drove to church this week, we took what is usually the quickest route, which takes us this time of year along a curvy, wood-lined, frost-heave riddled road. Since it is getting towards spring, the turkeys are out in force, especially in this area. If you haven’t lived where there are turkeys, know that all the stories you’ve heard about how, um, limited they are in the brain department are well deserved. They cannot be counted on for rational, logical behavior by any stretch.

As we came up over a rise, we noticed there were four turkeys ahead by the right side of the road, picking at something they evidently found tasty. Two of the turkeys, realizing we were coming, stopped eating and immediately headed across the road.

In front of us. Just cavalierly putting their lives in our hands. Not into the woods towards the right, where they could just toddle off into the undergrowth, oh, no.

We slowed the car, and watched as the third bird took a few more bites, and then followed his mates across the road as well.

In front of us. Even though our car was closer than when the first two crossed.

We took the speed down just a little more, wondering if the last member of the gang was going to surprise us. He was quite busy having his fill as he wasn’t having to share with his fellow scavengers. Apparently, though, he realized he was ALONE, so off he trotted to be with his buds.

Yes, in front of our moving car. May I say with tongue firmly in cheek: what a turkey.

I found myself wondering about a parallel between these birds and us (I know. You are wondering about me, and why in the world I would even see a parallel.), and thinking that sometimes our own behavior can be as illogical.  How often do we make choices based on giving in to pleasure now but exposing ourselves to short or long term risk, such as eating too much at a party, or spending money we don’t have on a fun gadget, as opposed to making wiser choices that instead bring us much greater satisfaction over the long haul?

Be good to yourself, and take some time today to ask for wisdom and guidance as you make both large and small decisions.