Turkeys and turnover

I was inspired to wonder a little bit about Thanksgiving and the historical significance of turkeys. I have encountered a group (rafter, gang?) of wild turkeys a couple of times on jogging outings I have been on in a neighborhood closeby. I thought it was strange because I have always thought of turkeys as elusive. But there they were in folks yards- along the driveway. Some sitting on the fence. Not stressed or with a "turkey in the headlights look". Just hanging out. 20-25 of them. I was overcome by a very real sense of peace.

I was thinking about how things have changed for them: for these particular turkeys and their predecessors. And how they seem to be able to deal with it. Where did this spirit of peace, of wholeness, of OK-with-things-ness come from?

Loss of habitat. Coyotes moving in. Joggers running by. Hunters. Hunters with guns. Hunting technology. Bass Pro Shop. The development of easy, cheap, extra broad breasted turkeys. The movement back to more native type turkeys for eating on Thanksgiving.

I thought of the changes of the other historical figures of Thanksgiving. The trail of tears. Massacres. Loss of Land. Loss of tribal identity. Alcoholism. Abject poverty. Cultural demonization of spiritual identity.

I was on a visit to the Hopi Nation cultural center earlier this year and I was engaged in the same sense of peace that I experienced from the gang of turkeys. Peace in the face of unimaginable change and loss over the past couple of centuries.

And it seemed to eminate from a source of "togetherness despite it all." Young Hopi were sharing about the proud history and grace of their people. Together with other Hopi people. Older Hopi were offering their handcrafted creations to visitors. Together.

There's lots of changes afoot. Economically, theologically, and culturally, things never stay the same; but things seem to be particularly volatile right now.

How might we best impart a sense of peace in this setting?

Thankfully, I think, it will be together.

May we be a rafter of resourcefulness, a gang of gatherer-togetherers, a tribe of togetherness in all the communities we touch.

Collaborate. Partner peer to peer. Seek to learn first and try to teach second. Answer the phone before you check the caller id. Return the tough email. Show them how much you care. Pray for peace.

Happy Black Friday.