The Great Goose

by Nan Corbitt Allen

In our community, I am blessed to see wildlife on a regular basis. There is a small lake at the entrance to the subdivision, and even in the dead of winter, there are several geese who make the tiny island in the middle of that body of water their nesting place and home. (Guess they didn’t get the memo that they are a migratory species). At least twice a day, this small flock flies over our house, noisily squawking and flapping like crazy.

I wonder where they’re going. I see and/or hear them in the morning and at dusk each day. Do they have jobs? Do they have another home somewhere else? Are they visiting relatives? Are they dropping off their kids at school? Or just a quick run to the market? I digress. Anyway…

There are some very interesting facts about flocks of geese and their relationship to each other. For instance, as each lead bird flaps its wings, it creates an “uplift” for the birds following it. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front and when the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.

What a profound thought!

Though we humans are encouraged not to follow the crowd (or the flock), Scripture tells us that fellowship is important to our spiritual health. We need each other desperately. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV), the Teacher writes, “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. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

Paul also writes in his letter to the Thessalonians: “Encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).

We would all get through life better if we would learn to depend on each other more, to give encouragement when things are good, and to be willing to help each other in the low times. Life is a long journey, and we could all use some “uplift” from time to time.

[Do not abandon] our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but [encourage] one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 NASB

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Nan Corbitt Allen has written over 100 published dramatic musicals, sketchbooks, and collections in collaboration with Dennis Allen, her husband of 45+ years. A three-time Dove Award winner, Nan’s lyrics and dramas have been performed around the world. Dennis and Nan have sold almost 3 million choral books. Nan and Dennis retired in 2020 from full time teaching at Truett McConnell University. They now live south of Nashville. They have two grown sons and two beautiful grandchildren.

Nan’s book, Small Potatoes @ the Piggly Wiggly, is a collection of devotionals that reveal the great impact seemingly insignificant, routine experiences can have in our lives. She describes what she learned of God’s providence and wisdom while growing up in the Deep South in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Join the conversation: How has your church fellowship provided encouragement to you?