Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. – Proverbs 11:14 “
It had been a long day of filling out Charge Conference forms. This is not my favorite Pastoral chore. I needed a break and my dog, Gracie, needed to go out. It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny but with a crisp breeze. A good day for walking. As we walked along, I began praying and asking for God’s guidance in completing the forms and in making plans for our church’s coming year. I asked Him to bless us and especially to bless our 2027 Leadership. Most of our Leaders have been serving in some form of leadership capacity for many, m,any many years. Some have expressed their desire for rest, but they also understand that we don’t have many options in leaders. Our volunteer pool is way too small for the work that needs doing. So, they tiredly say yes…. again.
As I was walking and praying about this, my mind was drawn to the crunch of dried leaves under my feet. Then, another sound burst through the air.
Above me, a bunch of geese flew overhead. There were about 20 of them flying in their V formation, just honk, honk, honking away. It made me smile. I remembered a story I had heard about geese. And I think in that moment, God gave me His answer about my worries over leadership.
Most of us know that geese fly in a V formation. Science has discovered why they fly that way. It is actually a form of ‘team work’. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. Therefore, by flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. This formation, while providing crucial aerodynamic benefits to the flock, is tough on the lead bird who works the hardest, breaking the wind.
However, and this is what makes me smile, to maintain their V-formation, the geese do a lot of honking. They honk their location, but they also honk their encouragement! They encourage and motivate that lead bird to keep going. They encourage it, and their voices also encourage and motivate each other. Finally, when the lead goose becomes too tired to lead, he honks his information and drops back while another goose flies forward and takes his place. Then, they all start honking their encouragement to the new lead.
Geese flying in formation, share a common direction and have a sense of community and are able to travel more quickly and with a little less effort, because they are traveling on the thrust of each other. That couldn’t happen if they didn’t cooperate with and encourage each other. As we look forward to the coming year, and our 2027 Leadership, I hope you will take your cues from the geese. I hope you will take your turn whenever you can, our little church can do some wonderful things if we all pitch in. I hope you will encourage your leaders; many are tired and are flying ONLY because of their dedication to our church and the encouragement you give them. I also hope that you will fly along with us and be a part of the Claybanks flock as we get to wherever it is that God sends us. Come on! It’s time to get going! Honk Honk!!!!
