Wild turkeys are large game birds of North America related to pheasants. The sight of a big turkey (particularly when out in the wild) displaying its beauti-fully feathered body, is something a person is not likely to forget.
Except for one all-white variety, brownish-red is the outstanding color of many of them, blending with blue, tan, brown and orange - and a little white trimming. These colors are best seen when a male is trying to win a female companion. He fans out his massive tail feathers to display his beauty. Adding to this are his soft gurgles and an occasional loud gobble.
The wild turkey of North America lives as far south as Mexico. At one time many lived as far north as Maine and southern Ontario. The Indians found them an important source of food, and they were a favorite bird of the pioneer hunters.
Today there are about 2,000,000 wild turkeys in the United States, as well as large numbers in southern Canada. In every place they are a favorite fall game bird for many hunters.
Over the years raising domestic turkeys has become a tremendously big business - at times just a few in a farmer’s backyard, or hundreds and even thousands raised on big turkey farms. This contributes to an immense market for corn and other grains for these always-hungry birds as they are fattened up for year-round markets.
Most of us look forward to Thanksgiving Day and the roast turkey dinner that represents a big part of it, along with other tasty foods. After a prayer of thanksgiving to the real provider, the Lord Jesus, the delicious dark and white meat is enjoyed, along with dressing and tasty vegetables and a piece of pumpkin pie for dessert. Yum, yum!
The beginning Bible verse is one of many in which the Lord was causing Job to realize that his pride was wrong, in spite of his boasting. When the Lord finished, Job replied: “I have heard of Thee . . . mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor [am disgusted with] myself, and repent.” Job 42:5,65I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5‑6).
It is good for each of us also to be humbled when we think not only of the Lord’s wondrous creation, but also of His great love for us. He invites us to trust in Him and His finished work on Calvary’s cross and to accept Him as our Lord and Saviour. Nothing is more important! Have you done this?
NOVEMBER 20, 1994
ML-11/20/1994