I’m Scarier Than I Thought (11/27/2024)

This morning, as I sat on my porch around sunrise, I noticed a dark figure moving about 30 feet from me. I froze. What was it? Then I saw another dark figure moving not far from it. And then another and another moved. Then I recognized the shape. It was turkeys.

Just as I started to relax, the largest figure noticed me. It was a Tom. It started moving toward the porch and talking to his cohorts. I froze again. What if he deemed me a threat? Turkeys can be vicious. He kept staring at me and talking to his cohorts, more rapidly than at first. They all rushed to his side. They all looked at me. Were they going to attack my porch? Thankfully, they walked away quickly and within 10 feet of my porch they began to run. And I realized as I looked down at my heavy dark suede coat with fur collar that I probably was scarier than I thought. They say everyone’s perspective is unique; I guess that applies to turkeys, too.

Truth is, while I looked like I was a fierce enemy, I couldn’t ward off a large canary let alone a band of turkeys. My thank you to the LORD must have amused Him; “Thank you, LORD, for making me look scary.”

Our perspectives can be misleading, at times. We can erroneously misjudge another’s motive or purpose. I know that has happened to me a time or two when others misjudged me. I know that has happened to me a time or two when I misjudged another. The guidance of the Spirit can help us to discern more clearly, more truly and help us to choose a better path, a more harmonious path.

As we continue our journeys in faith, buoyed by hope, and fueled by love for our LORD and a desire to love others well, let us seek the Spirit’s guidance in our relationships with others. Let us ask the Spirit for help in navigating those relationships that give us pause or with which we struggle. Let us pray for the Spirit’s gift of discernment and the fortitude to love well even those who make it difficult.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.