The Welcome Turkey and a Thank You
“Please arrive at the hospital at 5:30 pm for your scheduled scan. Please bring identification, insurance card, and a list of medications you are currently taking.”
I have memorized these requirements because of having numerous trips to the doctor and scanning areas of the hospital. Recently, I needed to have my 4th scan for the month completed. Doctors had alerted me of the need for repeat scans in one area of my body.
As Alan and I found a parking spot in the hospital parking lot, we noticed an unusual amount of empty spaces. My medical appointments are usually during office hours, but this one was scheduled after the doctor’s office had closed for the day.
Alan parked the car. Exiting the vehicle, I proceeded to the same door where I always enter the building. The sliding door was locked. No signs alerted me to any reason why the door was not open.
There was no one standing at the entrance to give me directions. However, there was something there at the door.
A turkey. A wild turkey walked from bush to bush around the front door. This animal poked its head in the bushes and retrieved leaves and berries, or at least that was my impression of what the turkey was doing. No sounds. No running toward me to chase me from the area. Just a turkey taking a walk and looking for a snack.
I noticed two ladies walking toward their cars. “Excuse me. Do you work here? I have to get a scan and the door is locked.”
The ladies smiled and one answered. “Yes, the hospital doors are always locked after 4:00 p.m. You’ll have to enter the building through the emergency room.”
I thanked the ladies for the information. I inquired if they always have a turkey near the door. They laughed and mentioned seeing turkeys in the parking lot every day.
Walking back to the car, I laughed at how God provided that “welcome turkey” to give me laughter while I was worrying about the upcoming scan.
“Thank You, Lord,” I spoke aloud.
After finding the correct entrance to the scan area, I entered the building, checked in with the receptionist, and found a seat. While waiting, I silently prayed for everyone in the emergency room.
The door to the radiology department opened and a woman spoke with a loud voice. “Henderson!”
I jumped out of my chair and returned her shout with a friendly smile and cheerful voice.
“Hello. That’s me!”
The technician paused, looked at me, and said, “Thank you so much. My last patient was so grouchy and complained about everything. But when I called your name, you answered with a smile and a friendly hello.”
I listened as the woman continued to share the gripes of the previous patient. During the conversation, I thanked her for being there and for taking good care of me during the scan. She said that no one ever thanks her.
With the procedure over, I spoke words of encouragement. “I hope you have a good evening and a better day tomorrow.” Then, I shared the story of the welcome turkey and we laughed.
We may never know what another person is experiencing in life. I was concerned about the results of my scan. The patient before me could have been filled with worry and fear.
I’m thankful to God for having “a welcome turkey” at the hospital door. I’m thankful to have shared a smile with a stranger and hopefully, brighten their day.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Do Turkeys Have Exercise Class?
Watching the wildlife in our backyard is amazing. Ducks, geese, herons, egrets, lizards and turkeys all have a great area to roam freely. A forest behind the house is filled with pine trees that hold woodpeckers and bluebirds.
The male turkeys and female turkeys are often seen traveling in groups. They pause and nibble on the tall weeds, picking off seeds and bugs. Male turkeys show their feathers in hopes of attracting the females.
Sometimes, only the males walk by and other times, only the females. Then, there are those times when all the turkeys travel together. One turkey looks to be in charge. The other turkeys follow.
This morning, I noticed a different situation with the male turkeys. Three big fellas ran past the back door like they were headed for some place important. Running to the right, they kept the speed up for a whole block. A few minutes later, they returned running in the opposite direction.
The back and forth kept going on for a while. One turkey was slower than the other two. This reminded me of gym class when I was a young girl. I was often the slow runner and left behind. The other turkeys didn’t wait for this guy to catch up. They kept running from one end of the block to the other.
The thought entered my mind. “Do turkeys have exercise class?” Seeing those turkeys run quickly made me wonder why they were running. Could they be trying to escape a predator or were they running for fun?
My thoughts sparked questions. “Am I running away from something? Am I lagging behind in my faith?” Today, I am searching my thoughts, words and actions to see if I have been “putting off” or “running away” from studying His Word. There are no time constraints for me, as we are quarantined. Housework can wait. Reading His Word and sharing conversation with God can’t wait. There is no need to fall behind like I did in exercise class. I can share my thoughts with God at any time.
What comfort knowing that God will search for me when I fall behind. He will seek and find me.
Maybe the turkeys are having exercise class. Maybe they are running for fun. Maybe they run as a mating ritual. I don’t know. I will pretend they are having exercise class. That makes me laugh.
As for me, I will run toward God. He is waiting for conversation. He is holding out His arms waiting to give comfort and peace.
Have you found yourself running away from something lately? Share your thoughts. Your message may help someone else.
If you see any turkeys running back and forth, enjoy the sight and know they might be in “turkey exercise class.”
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson