When you see geese flying in a "V" formation, you might be interested in knowing what facts scientists have discovered about why they fly that way.

1. FACT: As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

LESSON: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the trust of one another.

2. FACT: Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.

LESSON: There is strength and power and safety in numbers when traveling in the same direction with those with whom we share a common goal.

3. FACT: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.

LESSON: Each of us needs to take our turn in giving direction for the good of the group.

4. FACT: The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

LESSON: We all need to be remembered with active support and praise.

5. FACT: When a goose gets sick, or is wounded and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until the crisis resolves, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group.

LESSON: We must stand by each other in times of need.

We are fortunate that there are more geese in life than turkeys. Let's remember to uphold each other in friendship and to give each other a "honk" of encouragement more often.