Looking to geese as an example of working together in the flock

Soon the weather will be turning cooler and we will hear the sound of geese in the air as they begin winging away to warmer climates as we sit and work outside.
We will look up and see hundreds, perhaps thousands, flying above us in their familiar V formation.
It is known that geese often cover thousands of miles before reaching their winter destination in warmer climates.
We are fortunate that in Southeast Missouri that we live in one of the Mississippi flyways and the geese also stop over for a snack in the corn, rice and soybean fields after the harvest and can enjoy the sounds of the geese on their way.
Have you ever wondered why they fly as they do?
It is fascinating to read what has been discovered about their flight pattern as well as their in-flight habits.
1. Those in front rotate their leadership.
I had a church member, “bless his soul, George,” that once said once elected the board chair of our church, you stayed there until you die at our church.
Once elected, one had to stay in that position without letting someone else lead the church, even if one was tired and almost exhausted. But for the geese though, when the lead goose gets tired, it changes places with one in the wing of the V formation and another one flies the point.
2. By flying as they do, the members of the flock create an upward air current for one another.
Each flap of the wing literary creates an uplift for the bird immediately following.
One study noted that flying in a V formation the whole flight gets 71% greater flying range than if each goose flew on its own.
3. When one goose get sick or wounded, two fall out of the formation with it and follow it down to help and protect it.
They stay with this straggler until it is able to fly again.
4. The geese in the rear of the formation are the ones who do the honking.
I suppose it is one way of announcing they are following and all is well. For sure, the repeated honks encourage those in front to stay at it.
As I think about all this, one lesson stands out above all others.
It is the natural instinct of geese to work together.
God knew what God was doing when God created the animals of our world.
Whether it’s rotating, flapping, helping, or simply honking, the flock reminds them they are in it together, which enables them to accomplish what they set out to do.
With the fall upon us, we will have many opportunities to share the good news of God’s grace and love.
In many churches and organizations, most times many are asked to do many ministry and leadership tasks over and over.
Yes, if we try to do it alone we will tire out quickly but if we take the principles of the geese, we can accomplish all we set out to do as we continue to share the good news, even in the beginning of this season of change.
May we all be reminded of these principles when hear the familiar, Honk, Honk, Honk!
Rev. Frank Chlastak began work as senior minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Poplar Bluff in 2015.
He is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and has served congregations of the Christian Church in Louisiana, Arkansas, Virginia, Oklahoma and Missouri.