Lessons from the Geese

I've been getting some things ready for our service this Sunday and thought of this illustration from nature that I've used many time before. I'm not sure if it will make it into the sermon, as I now have way too much material, but it's too good not to share...

When you see geese flying along in "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone - and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those people who are headed the same way we are.

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south. Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Finally - and this is important - when a goose gets sick or is wounded, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.

If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.

I'm finding the wisdom of this lesson each day in this adventure of launching a church.
I love being in the front, leading the way, directing the team.
Right behind me are my team leaders- themselves leading the way in their areas of passion: worship, music, administration, organization, family ministry, etc.
Behind them are the many volunteers who are helping us make this journey. Each inline, each supporting the team, each playing their part.

Watching a large flock of geese in formation is always a sight to behold.
But it's nothing when I step out and look back on what our team is doing- truly a sight to behold- aimed at God, following Him, pursuing the vision He's given to us.