“Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2

Spring and Fall are always marked by the annual migration of birds. I know summer is on the way or winter is just around the corner when the Canada geese are seen in their almost perfect V formation knifing through the sky. The reason the Canada geese fly in the V formation is to decrease wind drag. This enables them to fly far further than if they flew alone. Some scientists have estimated that the updraft of air created by the lead bird enables a group of 25 birds to fly 70 percent further when flying in formation than flying alone. As I’ve watched them, I’ve noticed how they take turns being the lead bird. Obviously the one in the lead has to exert more effort. When the lead goose tires it drops back into the formation to rest a bit and another takes its place. It’s a wonderful example of sharing the load.

Canada geese share the load in a number of other ways. Often while the flock is feeding, individuals will take turns acting as sentinels, warning the others of impending danger. They also mate for life and both parents raise the young. Once a male and female have come together, they stick with each other through thick and thin. They will only take a new partner if the mate dies. One captive pair was known to be together for 42 years and when the male was accidentally killed the female died a few months later.

A lesser known fact is that if a goose becomes ill, is wounded, or falls out of formation, at least one other will fall out with it and remain behind to nurse it until it recovers and is able to join another migratory flock.

We can learn from the Canada goose. As Christians we can go much further for the Lord if we work together instead of acting individually. “Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2. So share the load. In so doing weariness will be prevented, we’ll be more likely to be forewarned of impending danger, the sick and weak will be nursed back to wholeness, and leaders will be empowered to lead.