(People with
disabilities, parents, staff, businesses, etc., all need to work together. Synergy
is the concept that when we all work together the end result is greater than if
each of us acts independently. There’s a great deal to be learned from the teamwork
shown in Lessons from the Geese.)
Geese are easily identified because they fly in a
V-formation, and by the sound of their "honk". Scientists have learned
some interesting facts about the geese, some of which we can apply to our own
lives.
1. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the
bird immediately following behind. By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock
adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird were flying on its
own.
For us this means that people who have the same beliefs, the same
purpose and destination will get where
they are going more quickly and easily if they travel together, because they will
benefit from each other's thrust. It means we need to be with each other to make our
life journey easier; we need to join a group that supports and uplifts us. We
need to associate with others who will give us support as we journey through life. We need to be faithful in our church attendance where we can share our joys and concerns with others, and, in turn, give support to our church family as they share their joys and concerns. Jesus said for us to love our neighbors as ourselves; we cannot do that if we live in isolation and do not know our neighbors.
2. When a goose
falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to
go it alone—and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the
lifting power of the bird in front.
We should realize that we need to stay in the formation for which
we were created and not try to go off on our own. We need to stay with those
who have common goals, common values, common destinations; we need to stay with
those who will help us get where we want to go so that we can fulfill our
purpose. We need to stay with those who
will share their strengths with us, and who will guide us along the paths we need
to follow. We also need to be sure to identify and give strength to those dear ones who fall out of the formation, trying to go alone. We need to provide whatever it takes to bring them in to the presence of God.
3. When the Head
Goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose takes his place
and flies point.
This goose-behavior should
tell us that we need to take turns with other people when we are doing
demanding jobs. We cannot always do the hard task of leading; that will cause
us to burn out. We need to let others be
the leader sometimes so they can build up their own leadership strengths. On the
other hand, especially, when the task is a grungy one, we need to stop hanging
back, avoiding involvement, and take a turn at leading and give those who are
working a chance to rest.
4. Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to
keep up their speed.
Why do we honk at others? Do
we honk at others in order to encourage them, or do we honk at them because we
are impatient and want them to get out of the way? We need to be sure our honking from behind
is encouraging - not critical and nasty.
5. Finally… and this
is important…when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots, and falls out
of formation, two geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend
help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly,
or until it dies. Then they fly out on their own or with another formation to
catch their group.
Do we stand by each other like that? Are we strong enough, compassionate
enough to sacrifice our personal agenda and halt our own journey for a friend in
need? We should try to be.
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