Turkeys in the Snow

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:11-13 NLT

Wild turkeys, like the four pictured above, actively consume a large variety of food during their lifetimes. Their diet changes with the seasons, and they tend to forage on whatever is available. The majority of their diet is plant-based, such as grasses, seeds, berries, nuts, etc. They will also eat insects, earthworms, and even small amphibians if given the opportunity.

A wild female turkey will eat about a third to a half pound of food per day. The males eat approximately twice that amount. 

The small tree the turkeys are gathered around in this picture produces lots of berries in the summer. The turkeys tend to cluster nearby (or scavenge in its branches) until all the berries are consumed. It looks as if at this stage of winter, they have eaten about all the food this tree has to offer for the time being.

The turkeys in the above picture appear to be closer to having empty stomachs than full ones. Notice how they are fluffing up their feathers to help trap body heat, and how they are standing in the bright light to gather as much radiant heat as possible from the sun.

Secret Revealed

In the above Scripture passage, a man named Paul is talking about how he learned a very valuable secret in life – how to be content whether he had a lot or a little, a full stomach or an empty one.

Paul reveals the key to this secret in the last verse of this passage, namely that it is through Christ that he gains his strength and endurance.

I am grateful that this was not something that Paul gained instant knowledge of as he lived his life for the Lord. This is something that took time, something he had to learn through discipline in life experiences.

So, if you, like me, haven’t quite arrived at this point yet, take heart. There is always hope in the One Paul gave his life to follow.

The One called Jesus.

If you are not sure how you can have your own personal relationship with Him, please see Got God?     Hope you have a great day, and are keeping warm wherever you are.