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A church member recently gave this to me and it intrigued me. I thought you would enjoy it as well.

One of my favorite lessons in the subject of teamwork comes from one of God’s creations… Geese. If you’ve ever looked up in the sky and spotted a flock of geese you will notice that they fly in a “V” formation. What you may not know is why. God created these geese to fly in this pattern for a specific reason. Here are the reasons for the flight patterns of geese and some lessons we may learn.

As each goose flaps its wings it creates an uplift for the birds that follow and by flying in the “V” formation the whole flock can add 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. Therefore, if the team is going in a common direction they will travel quicker and higher on the thrust of one another.

When a goose falls out of formation it immediately begins to slow down and recognizing this, it moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it. Therefore, each team member must recognize its need for each other and be willing to give and accept help when needed.

When the lead goose tires, it rotates back in the formation and another goose flies in the point position. Therefore, the team in interdependent on each others skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, and other resources.

The geese that fly in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. Therefore, make sure when you honk that it’s encouraging others. Otherwise keep your beek shut.

When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and they fall down 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 other flock. Therefore, team members will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when they are strong.

Certainly the church is much more than a team. But I think we can learn some valuable lessons from the rest of God’s creation.