This year, I have witnessed two unusual wild turkey sightings near my home in Columbus, Ohio. The first one was in August, a couple of days before my birthday, while I was doing some work in the library. I was excited to go to the library that day, since it had reopened after being shut down due to COVID-19. Hanging out at a library was probably not at the top of the list of outings most people missed while nonessential businesses were closed. But for a nerdy college professor like myself, it was great to be able to check out books again. As I finished up some reading in the computer section, I happened to glance out the window and see a wild male turkey strutting across the parking lot. I did a double take, and other people saw him and began to look bewildered and awed. We're used to seeing large numbers of Canadian geese in this vicinity, but a turkey? Where in the world did he come from? One of the librarians laughed and informed us that this turkey had been a regular visitor on the grounds and the staff had named him Timmy. I quickly grabbed my phone and ran out to snap a picture of Timmy before he roamed into the surrounding neighborhood. "I sure hope he doesn't end up on someone's dinner table tonight," I chuckled to myself.

The second turkey sighting came about a month later during one of my power walks near the library. However, this wasn't Timmy. It was a female turkey that was in danger of being run over, as she had somehow gotten into the middle of an intersection with busy two-way traffic. Luckily for her, the speed limit on that street is only 35 mph, and a driver slowed down to provide her with enough time to cross. She was still running frantically once she was safe, completely unaware of the children in an SUV who were waving at her.

When I see something out of the ordinary, such as these turkeys wandering outside of their natural habitat, I believe God wants to convey a unique message. Timmy pranced through the library parking lot with a cool swagger. Turkeys are not known to be overly courageous creatures, but Timmy was marching around the library like he owned it. He did not seem to care that he was not in the security of a forested area. He wasn't afraid of the unfamiliar, suburban setting. Walking in boldness and pushing back fear are issues that I have often struggled with. Oftentimes, we get comfortable when we've done well in a certain area for a while, and then changes occur and we are thrust into a new environment. We need to have the assertiveness like Timmy to strut through it.

As we are still navigating our way through COVID-19, I believe many people feel like the female turkey I saw — like they are running in a frenzy desperately trying to survive. The challenges of the pandemic are coming from every side; yet, God always provides grace that enables us to cross over. I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 4:8 that says we are "troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair." During Thanksgiving, the psalms of thanks are read, but this scripture is especially appropriate for the tumultuous year 2020 has been. We have trouble all around us, but God is saying, "Trust me." We are perplexed about social distancing from family and friends, but God says, "Take comfort in me." And even through the sorrow of death, as was the case for me in March, when I lost two close relatives, God says through Christ, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

I am truly thankful that God has gotten me through 2020, with all of its chaotic ups and downs. I know that things may not be looking particularly great for many of you right now. Perhaps you are battling fear and uncertainty, but you are still able to count your blessings. Be like Timmy, and get your turkey strut of faith on. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Dr. Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University's Lima campus. Email her at smojc.jj@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter: @JjSmojc. To find out more about Jessica Johnson and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: ladymacbeth at Pixabay