When driving to the airport Sunday morning, I saw a Canada goose flying all alone – there did not appear to be another goose in sight. This is unusual as they are usually seen in a flock, flying in the traditional “V” formation, sharing the same direction and working as a team with their loud (sometimes obnoxious) honking heard so clearly below.
It is said when flying together, their flight efficiency is increased by over 70% compared to flying alone. The geese in the back of the “V” honk as a form of encouragement for the geese in the front. The leader experiences the most resistance from the wind and by honking, the others are telling the leader, “you can do it”, “keep going”, “we’re here with you”, and “stay strong”.
The geese rotate positions on a regular basis. As one becomes tired, it slips to the back and another advances, assuming the lead position. If one falls behind, others will fall back and join it to show support and to provide protection.
That is how it should be with us as well. When we fly with a “flock” of believers, we share the same direction with a common goal – to love and serve our Lord. We lift one another up. When we face challenges in our lives - and we all do - others in our flock “honk” to encourage us. And, when we fall behind, they support and protect us.
I have found myself from time to time being the lone goose. I have felt the resistance of the air and the difficulties of flying alone. Those are tired and weary times. I am blessed to have people in my life that like the geese in the back of the formation, have “honked” their words of encouragement and at times “flown” down beside me to support and protect.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
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.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
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.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
"But pity the one who falls and has no one to help them up ", yes.We are so blessed to have a Father in Heaven who is there for us even when there is no one else to help us up.Sometimes it is hard to look up to our help though, and God is often merciful in giving us that human touch, a word of encouragement, a hug, a letter or card, a phone call. Good post and reminder to me, thank-you.
ReplyDeleteI think we do sometimes feel alone even though we know with Christ we are truly never alone. I am thinking about "The footsteps" picture dad gave us all one year.Only one set of footsteps because he was carrying us.
ReplyDelete@KathyB and jkgimse, thank you for sharing your comments. Yes, God is always with us even when we think we are "alone". When writing this post, I wondered if a reader might think that I was overlooking His presence when I said I sometimes "fly" alone. My thoughts were directed to the importance of fellowship with others, which is difficult at best when traveling.
ReplyDeleteI completely understood this, and you are right. Sometimes we feel so alone, and often we are, in our human relationships. Hurtful as that is, and has been, and though I do not want to feel that way again,I think God allowed this to help me realize I die alone, I stand before Him alone, with no one to be held accountable for my life or blame for my choices but myself.
ReplyDeleteHow much better though to help ones we know and love who are in pain. To cry with them and let them know we are praying for them even if we do not understand their pain or problems. That goes a long way towards encouragement and healing.Yes, it is much better to fellowship with others in Christ, and walk together towards Him. Thank-you for this post.
This was really good. I didn't that fact about why the geese in the back honk. Good lesson for me to read the kids today! Thanks!
ReplyDelete