For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. – Romans 1:20
Few sights evoke as much attention and awe, as that of a large flock of Canadian geese winging their way in their V-formation to the north or south. They speak of the changing of seasons, and also of the value of teamwork and care for one another.
For several years my wife and I lived close to the Rio Grande river along an area known as the Bosque. Once a year we were treated to the honks of these beautiful creatures on their way to feeding grounds near our home. Quite frequently they flew right over our house, allowing us to hear the flaps of their wings and distinctive calls.
What many don’t know is that when a goose gets sick, or perhaps is wounded by a shot, it never falls from the formation by itself. Two other geese also will fall out of formation with it and follow the ailing goose down to the ground.
One of them is very often the mate of the wounded bird, since geese mate for life and are extremely loyal. Once on the ground, the healthy birds help protect the other and care for it as much as possible, even to the point of throwing themselves between the weakened bird and possible predators.
They then stay with the fallen one until it is either able to fly, or until it dies. Then, and only then, do they launch out on their own. In most cases, they wait for another group of geese to fly overhead and they join them, adding to the safety and flying efficiency of their numbers.*
What a beautiful picture from God’s creation that illustrates to us how God cares for us and how He desires for us to care for one another (1 Peter 5:7). Thank you, Father, for that amazing illustration. May we take it to heart for those around us that You have committed to our care. Maranatha!
*God’s Little Devotional Book
To help us walk closer with God and to know Him better
