Have you ever noticed the migrating geese every year? Three things I have noticed are their “honks,” their flying “V” formation, and their inner instinct and immense insight that compel when and where to fly. Some may migrate 2,000 to 3,000 miles. Why do they fly in a “V” formation? Because they cannot fly in a “B” formation. (smile) There is a method to their madness. As each bird flaps its wings in the “V” formation, it creates a vortex, a mass of whirling air that rolls off each of its wingtips creating an uplift for the bird following it. The “V” gives them at least a 71% greater flying range of up to 1,500 miles a day. Engineers use these methods with air crafts. WOW! Now, why do they “honk?” There are different “honks” for different “helps.” When the lead goose is tired, it “honks” and falls back in the formation and another goose “honks” and flies point. This conserves and synergizes energy. One can do much, but many can do much more. Everyone is needed and everyone is important. Geese also “honk” from behind to encourage those up front to keep going. “We are here if you need us.” So “honk” if you need “help.” One for all and all for one. When a goose is sick or wounded, it will “honk” and fall out of formation. Then two other geese “honk” and go to protect it and stay with it until it flies or dies. Then they join another “V” formation to catch up with their group heading for a preservation as Horicon, Wisconsin where thousands migrate each year. Now we understand why there are many “honks.
It would be good if we, as Christians, would have the simple sense of a goose. We would not stray but stay to help one another. We would encourage and uplift one another to keep going. We would not let one suffer alone. We would seek to restore fallen ones. We would learn that it is not about “me” but “we.” We should synergize and energize one another with our inner instinct and immense insight for Heaven.
Many years ago we hiked the Grand Canyon. On the way up the incline was very steep. At times Carlene would fall behind and “honk” for “help.” We finally made it to the top together. At certain needed times I now say to her, “Honk if you need me.”
FYI: Goose/single. Geese/plural.
Male is a gander. Baby is a gosling. Flock/group is a “gaggle.”
