Geese
Next fall when you see geese heading south for the winter... flying
along in V formation...you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that
way: As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird
immediately following. By flying in V formation the whole flock adds at least 71% greater
flying range, than if each bird flew on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get
where
they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling
on the thrust
of one another. When 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 in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with
those who
are headed the same way we are. When the head goose gets tired it rotates back in the wing and
another goose flies
point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs...with people or
with geese
flying south. Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their
speed. What do we say when we honk from behind? Finally...and this is important...when a goose gets sick or is
wounded by gunshots,
and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that
goose and follow it down
to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until
it is able to fly or until
it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with
another formation to
catch up with their group. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like
that.......