Why did the turkey cross the road?
Driving down a country highway near the desert offers a chance to enjoy nature and find peace, unless a pair of turkeys crosses the road. I saw them on the shoulder, walking into my lane. I slowed down slightly, moving over in my lane, but one of them kept trotting, right beneath my tire. As I continued driving to a safe place to assess for damage, I checked the tire pressure, listened for any weird noises, and paid closer attention to how the car felt. When I stopped and looked it over, the damage appeared only cosmetic; it could have been much worse. Part of the fender was knocked loose, but the lights worked, the tires were unharmed, and the car ran the same. For the rest of the drive, I settled into gratitude while continuing to monitor the tire pressure and the car’s performance.
After arriving home, I began to reflect on how much we are like the turkey crossing the road. We focus so intently on what we want that we often fail to see the danger around us. The turkey ran toward danger instead of away from it. We often do the same when we follow our selfish desires rather than God’s direction. James 1:14 explains, “Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own desire.” Scripture also gives clear guidance: “Flee from temptation” (2 Timothy 2:22). God provides a way out every time (1 Corinthians 10:13), but we must choose to take it. Turning away is not weakness. It is wisdom and obedience.
Temptation shows up when we least expect it. We may think we have moved beyond a particular weakness or outgrown a struggle, yet it reappears when our guard is down. Satan is not all-knowing or all-present, and his power is limited by what we allow. He observes human nature and looks for open doors through distraction, pride, or neglect. Scripture reminds us to “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Staying alert in prayer and grounded in the Word helps us recognize danger before it ensnares us.
Spiritually, we can appear steady on the outside, even as we “go through the motions.” We may be falling apart inside, hiding our sin from those around us, and struggling in silent agony. David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Healing and restoration begin when we invite God to search our hearts and bring hidden faults into the light.
When I returned home, my mechanic friend looked at the car. The damage truly was cosmetic. He snapped the fender back into place in less than five minutes. You cannot even tell anything happened. That is what God does with us! He restores what is broken and strengthens what is weak, making us new. We may still experience consequences from past choices, but through the blood of Jesus, we stand without stain or blemish, whole and redeemed in His sight.
Even a turkey on the highway can teach a lesson when the heart is listening. My frustration with myself became a nudge from God to stay alert.
