Have you ever wondered why migrating geese fly in a V formation? As with most animal behaviour, God has a good reason for including this in their instincts. The swirl of air created by flying in a V formation produces more lift and a clearer view for each bird. 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 it quickly gets back into formation.
Like geese people who share a common direction and sense of purpose can get where they’re going more quickly and more easily than those who try to go it alone. When a leading goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose moves to fly at the point position. If we have as much sense as geese, we will stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We should be willing to both give our help to others and accept help. We also need to take turns at doing the difficult tasks.
Geese in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to up their speed. It’s important that our “honking from behind” is positive and encouraging. Otherwise it’s just, well, honking!
Geese show signs of great sensitivity and intelligence. When a goose gets sick or wounded, two other geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help, and to provide protection. They stay with the unhealthy member of the flock until it is either able to fly again or it dies. Then they launch out once more joining up with another passing flock or they try to catch up with their own flock. Geese don’t know how to be selfish. They are devoted to their companions. From geese we can learn to stand by each other always – even in the most difficult of times.
You don’t have to be a genius or a scientist to learn from God’s marvellous creations. The wonders of nature are all around you and yet, you can go through a whole day without even noticing them. You only need to stop long enough to look, listen and observe. Let God reveal to you the wonders of life, the beauty and the harmony. Open your eyes, and see the glory of it. Give eternal thanks for all forms of life. We can learn from every one of them.
(Author unknown – reproduced by Jen)
