The following, by Milton Olson, is something I read many years ago about how geese support and encourage each other. I think it’s a lesson that we should take to heart.

A couple of years ago, while speaking to a group at a rehab center, I asked if they knew why geese flew in a “V” formation. One person raised his hand and said, “They do that when they fly over Vacherie.”

Everyone laughed. Evidently, he was from Vacherie.

Fact l:

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds that follow.  By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson:

People who share a common direction can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Fact 2:

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone.  It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson:

If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go.  We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

Fact 3:

When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Lesson:

It pays to take turns doing the shared tasks and sharing leadership.  As with geese, people are interdependent on each other’s skills, capabilities, and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, or resources.

Fact 4:

The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson:

We need to make sure our honking is encouraging.  In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater.

Fact 5:

When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it.  They stay with it until it dies, or is able to fly again.  Then, they launch out with another formation, or catch up with the flock.

Lesson:

If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.