I received an article a couple years ago from a child life specialist that blessed me the first year following Trevor’s death with many words of wisdom. This article, in particular, confirmed the belief that I already have regarding the people one chooses to surround themselves with. I think others may benefit from this literature piece too. The article is titled A LESSON FROM THE GEESE and was written by Milton Olson.
As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird following. By flying in a V-formation the whole flock adds seventy-one percent more flying range than if each bird flew alone. People who share a common direction and sense of community direction can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go. The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging and not something less helpful. When a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their own with another formation or catch up with their flock. If we have as much sense as the geese, we’ll stand by each other like that.
I am continually thankful for the geese that are in my “v formation”. My prayer is that I provide as much support to each of them, as they do for me. Two more days to trudge through the thickest muck of the year. My boots are heavy and I am weary, but I have the peace that passes all understanding in my heart. When this open wound is bandaged again (after tomorrow), I have the confidence that that peace will be overflowing. ❤
danacox31 
Leave a Reply