Whispers of the Wild

Romans 12:18 “Do your best to live in peace with everyone.”

Up until a couple of years ago, my grandmother lived in Canada. Quite often while visiting her, there were a couple interesting places we liked to go see. One of them was The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary. It wasn't far from her house and from what I remember, it wasn't a huge area but there was a lot of open acreage. This is a sanctuary for Canadian geese and ducks, other types of geese, peacocks and other unusual birds. On one side of the road there are places that house the birds and on the other side of the road there was an open field for geese and ducks to land in. In the late afternoon the caretakers would go out into the field and spread grain and corn for the birds. Many times, when we visited, the field was full of Canadian geese, some in their own small groups, others in combined groups. Sometimes we had the chance to watch some come in and land, and other times we could watch some fly away.

     When we look all through nature we can find so many wonderful and amazing ways that God created His world.  One of those are Canadian geese.  What do we know about these geese?  We know they fly together never alone.  We know they always fly south to warmer climates for the winter.  We know many stop off in Canada. If the weather is going to be mild for the winter the geese will often stay at the Jack Miner Sanctuary.

   Geese are amazing to watch and learn about. I wrote a blog a few years back talking about things we can learn from the geese and since then I've learned a few new things. Together, let's discover not only how awesome God has worked in creating these animals, but what we can learn from what they do and apply it to our lives.

     Usually when you see geese flying you see them in a “V” formation. Have you ever wondered why? They fly that way because they are working together; two reasons. One, the point of the V is the leader but flying down south or back north is a long journey. Instead of only one bird leading the flock the whole way, they take turns. The goose in the lead will fall back to the back of the “V” to rest, while the next goose moves into the lead, and not one goose tires out, they all work together. Two, science has discovered why they fly that way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go through it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the power of the flock. Lastly, flying in a “V” formation increases visibility as every goose can see what’s happening in front of them. If you see them swimming in a line, the reasons are quite similar to their “V” formation flying.

     Lesson 1- We can learn that people who share a common direction and goal can get where they are going quicker and with less effort because they benefit from the momentum of the group moving around them. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

     Lesson 2- If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation and share information with those who are headed in the same direction we are going. It pays to share leadership and take turns doing hard jobs.  Micro-managing and keeping tight control will burn you out. People have unique skills, capabilities, and gifts to offer. Give them autonomy, trust and a chance to shine, and you will be surprised by the outcomes. - Romans 12:3-6

     Lesson 3- We are truly a flock. We might not be the lead goose—we might even be the one in the rear that always seems to be looking left when the flock turns right—but each of us has a role, even if it seems minimal. The forward movement of the group, its success, is dependent on the efforts of us all. - 1 Corinthians 12:14, 18, 20

     While geese are in flight, you have probably had the chance to hear them honking. It was interesting to learn that their honking is a way to encourage those up front to keep their speed.

     Lesson4: The lesson here to make sure we praise people and give them the recognition they deserve. Words of support and inspiration help energize those on the front line, helping them to keep pace in spite of the day-to-day pressures and fatigue.  -Romans 12;15

     Have you ever noticed that sometimes there's just two or three geese walking around in one area. You may have wondered, where's the rest of their flock? When a goose gets sick or

wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

     Lesson 5: The lesson here is to stand by each other in difficult times. It’s easy to always be part of winning teams, but when things get difficult and people are facing challenges, that’s when your teammates need you the most. If one of us is down, it’s up to the others to stand by us in our time of trouble. Let’s have the sense of a goose and stand by each other when things get rough. - James 5:19-20

     At some point, though, it may become clear that the family member is "dead." No longer a part of the family. At that point, it is best to let him go his own way, and we must rejoin the flock without them. But do all you can until you feel you can do no more and pray the Lord helps you make the right decision when to move on.

     The goose migration routes never vary. They use the same route year after year. Even when the flock members change, the young learn the route from their parents. In the spring, they will go back to the spot where they were born.

     Lesson 6: Stay true to our core values and purpose. Strategies, tactics, and products may change in a world that is constantly changing, but God’s people can always stick to their core purpose and values and preserve them with strength because God never changes.

     Watching geese can teach us many things, especially how to deal with others.  How to deal with very difficult people in our lives. Remember going the distance is better to go in a group and take turns leading.  We should be protective of others and not tear them down. A line isn’t that bad to be in, don’t try to push yourself to the front to be first, you never know what lurks up there.  Lastly, we don’t need to stay around people or situations that will harm us, we just need to “fly south”, or “north”.

   I think if we follow the example of the geese, we can find peace among ourselves, co-workers, even our church families.  That is, being the best Christ has called us to be, and how we can share Him with others.

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