The other morning as I was taking my early walk I heard a
flock of geese overhead. They were flying in the typical V-formation that we
often see in pictures and videos and were honking the entire time.
According to Audubon, the distinctive V-pattern Canadian Geese fly in while migrating actually has a purpose—it helps the birds save their energy and improves communication. Each bird flies above the bird in front of them to reduce wind resistance and allows each bird to take advantage of the updraft created by the wings of the bird in front, increasing their flying range by up to 71%. Being able to see the other birds aids overall coordination.
The behavior of these geese gives us tangible examples of several Biblical principles. First, they support and help each other by working together. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” When the lead goose gets tired another bird takes over so it can rest.
Second, geese honk to communicate and coordinate their flight. The honking we hear as they fly is how the geese both encourage one another (especially the leader) and warn of potential danger. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing.” Then in verse 14 we are told, “Warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
Third, two geese will drop out of formation and stay with a sick or injured goose, protecting it and staying with it until it can fly again. Galatians 6:2 says we are to “Bear one another’s burdens.”
We can see God’s principles at work all around us. His Word is alive and active—and exemplified for us in so many ways. Just look at Canadian geese!
Be encouraged!
Incidentally, as the geese passed over me, the single downy goose feather shown in my photo at the top of this post, floated down right in front of me!
