The Goose

I was running yesterday morning on the B&A Trail, and a group of three geese flew overhead honking and flying in the quintessential V that they're known for. I listened to them, and reflected on the beauty of nature as I pounded pavement under my feet. And then after they passed a single goose came chugging behind them. Slower than the rest, he has honking his little heart out an trying to catch up. I figured that gooses name was Ben.

My namesake would be fitting for the goose that is falling behind, sucking wind, and crying for the others to wait up. It encouraged me to run a few more steps.

Geese are known to fly in a V to help them fly further, longer. The head goose disturbs the headwind so that the following geese have less resistance. From time to time the head goose gives way to another and drops to the back of the line his fatigue is aided by someone else taking the brunt of the resistance.

That's a great model of teamwork. I've learned more about team work this year than perhaps at any time of my life. I'm seeing genuine teams form that are breaking the resistance and helping the church move forward. For the last couple years, I led from a model of ministry that looked more like the lone goose. It's been really nice to fly with a team.

I guess I'm still caught up a bit with what we accomplished Sunday, and really all summer. Still grateful for everyone the Lord is building his house with.

--Ben