A lesson from geese --

Have you ever wondered why migrating geese fly in a V formation? As with most animal behavior, God had a good reason for including that in their instincts. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird following. In a V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation.

Like geese, people who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier than those who try to go it alone.

When a goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.

If people had as much sense as geese, they would realize that ultimately their success depends on working as a team, taking turns doing the hard tasks, and sharing leadership.

Geese in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to maintain their speed.

It is important that our “honking from behind” be encouraging. Otherwise it’s just - well - honking.

When a goose gets sick or wounded, two other geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and provide protection. They stay with the unhealthy member of the flock until it is either able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out again with another passing flock or try to catch up with their own.

May we be so sacrificial, that we may be worthy of such friends in our time of need. You don’t have to be a scientist to learn from God’s marvelous creation; you only need to stop long enough to observe and let God reveal His wonders to you.

“Ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?”
JOB 12:7-9. Someone “asked” the geese. Author unknown.

As we go into the holiday season, we encourage each of you to review your talents and consider them your personal gifts from God. In what ways might you share some of your time to become more involved in the community of your church? You may be called upon to serve on the Vestry or on a committee, spend a couple hours to help tidy up inside the church, tend to the yard and gardens, do highway cleanup, work with our youth, sing with the choir, visit the sick, or any of the many other things that need to be done to maintain the church building and unity within the congregation.

Each and every one of you is important and your time, ideas, and help are welcome and appreciated. Consider the spiritual dimension of these church “jobs” rather than looking at them as another task to be done. Being involved and giving a few hours of your time here and there is another way to praise God and give thanks for your personal gifts.

It is indeed a reward, a challenge, and a privilege to be a contributing member of your church community.

Your Wardens,

Jerry Wegman and Mike Kolbinger