Honk To Show You Care

 I had an amazing experience on an early morning walk recently. I heard the sound of honking. I looked around but did not see anything. The sound continued and eventually I laid eyes on a geese formation flying overhead. The whole scene fascinated me. Watching them flying in their 'V' formation. It prompted me to do some research. 

The purpose of the geese flying in the "V" formation is it's more aerodynamic. Each bird gets the benefit of the lift from the bird flying in front of them. When the lead goose gets tired, it will fall back into formation and another will move into the lead position. In this way they are able to fly further than any single goose could fly alone. 

The honking comes from the geese behind the leader encouraging the leader to keep up the speed. I heard that constant honking as they flew past me. Each honk encouraging the leaders to keep going, to stay strong, and to not give up. 

The formation of the geese is called a gaggle. Geese in the gaggle have a strong affection for one another. So much so that, if one gets sick or weak, some in the gaggle will fall behind with sick goose until it gets strong enough to resume the flight. They do not abandon their weak. 

Fascinating. Those same characteristics are exactly what ought to happen in the church. People in church should work together to impact their communities. Each person contributing with their gifts, talents and resources. Each using their strengths. Sadly, some people get on such power trips they end up working against each other. Church is no place for power struggles. Jesus is Head of the church. He is the leader. The rest of us need to get in formation behind Him and follow His lead. 

People in the church should encourage one another. They should encourage the leaders to keep going strong. I have received honks of encouragement from people who cared many times. It is uplifting to the soul. Honks of encouragement can come in the form of texts, phone calls, letters, cards and verbal affirmation face to face. It is grievous when in many churches, you will hear more criticism than you will hear encouragement. This ought not be the case. 

We should also care for the weak. This means our senior adults, our wounded, sick, and broken. They should not be left to suffer alone. The old saying goes, "Out of sight and out of mind." Many times over the years I've heard members ask about the well being of absentees. They ask but do not reach out. They care but do not go the extra mile to contact those absentees, to pray with them and check on them. Those absentees do not know anyone asked about them. Over time they start to think nobody really cares. We must not let people suffer alone. 

It reminds me of the truth of scripture. 

"Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

It sure seems Christians can learn a lot from the example of geese. I am thankful for my encounter with them a few days ago. I hope as a pastor you will hear me honking because I care.