You knew already that we can learn a lot from teddy bears. But did you know that we can learn a lot from geese as well? They are great examples when it comes to team work. Of course I would have preferred to use teddy bears as examples, but since we neither fly nor migrate, I think the geese are the better teachers in this case.

This is what we can learn from them:

1) 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.

If we share a common direction and sense of community we can get where we are going quicker and easier because we are traveling on the thrust of one another.

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.

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.

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

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

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

We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

5) When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it 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.

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

So keep in mind that “playing” in the church is playing in a team. We can’t win if we only focus on ourselves! And: playing with others instead of all by ourselves is more fun anyway!

Yours

Pelle