On the Trail of God’s Work
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Turkeys are not pretty birds, but they certainly are important come November every year. Years ago, I farm sat for a family who raised turkeys and hated every moment. They were scary, they pecked, and gang rushed me. Those feathered, little gawky things caused me great angst as I fed and watered them. Perhaps trying to domesticate wild birds has it challenges. Erin Lynum (All God’s Creatures) explains how the hiking path led an entire class to a unique discovery.
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Chatter from twenty-five children broke through bird conversations from overhead branches as we walked the trail. When I guide children’s nature hikes with groups this size, there is always a mixed bag of enthusiasm. While some kids run eagerly ahead, others lag behind, trying to adjust their backpacks and attitudes.
My own mind set wasn’t first-rate that morning. As a naturalist, I was guiding two group hikes that week on top of lesson planning and writing assignments. I love the work God has called me to do both in and outside my home. But on this particular morning, I was tired. And it was all I could do to excite the kids about nature. That is until the children up ahead stopped abruptly. My oldest son was leading the way when he pointed to the tall grass beside the trail.
“There is something in there!” he exclaimed. Children trailing behind eagerly caught up to glimpse whatever was moving the grass. Suddenly a large wild turkey popped her head out from the brush and hesitantly stepped onto the trail ahead of us. I’ve seen many wild turkeys, but I wondered if this was the first time for some of these children.
“A baby!” the kids exclaimed—and not just a single chick. One by one chicks only a few inches tall scurred out onto the trail. We began counting in unison, “Two…three! Four! Five, six…seven! Eight, nine, ten…eleven!”
I watched the children’s God-given curiosity rekindle as they observed the wild turkey family with awe. My own fatigue and struggling attitude melted into pure joy. Just like the mama turkey, I had the opportunity to lead these little ones through God’s wonderful creation.
Whether I’m guiding nature hikes in our community or teaching my kids, I remember that mama turkey and I press on in the work God lays before me.
That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. Colossians 1:29 (ESV)