Craig Clouston

Nature’s Example

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Phil’s ten year old son, Kyle, fidgeted in the blind as they watched the first glimmer of light tint the eastern sky. “When’s somethin’ gonna happen, Daddy?”   

“Be patient Buddy,” Phil whispered, patting Kyle’s shoulder.

As light began transforming the morning from nondescript shapes into recognizable landmarks, he heard the sound of geese honking overhead. Flocks of migratory birds were flying south to their wintering grounds.

Phil wanted Kyle to witness one of nature’s most amazing events…and hopefully teach him a valuable lesson. As flock after flock flew overhead, Phil pointed and said, “Do you see how they all fly in a V formation, Kyle?”

“Yah,” replied Kyle, questioningly.  

Just then a lead goose left his position at the point of the V. This was the moment Phil had been waiting for, “Do you see how that goose dropped out of formation and is moving to a place at the end of one of the legs of the V?”

“Uh Huh,” Kyle grunted.

“Watch how the second goose in line moves up to take his place.”

 “Why’d he do that, Daddy?” Kyle asked in wonder.

“The flock has a long way to fly before winter, Buddy,” Phil explained. “They instinctively switch leaders every so often. By taking turns they conserve energy, Kyle. It’s how God made them.” 

†

Nature is not shackled by the belief it was meant to be self-sufficient or make it on its own. Only man instills that mindset in their offspring.  

Through the simple act of watching geese, Phil was teaching Kyle that although the world may tell him otherwise, it is not a sign of weakness to accept help. Wise people share their burdens; it’s one of God’s provisions for helping us overcome the sin that so desperately seeks to destroy us.   

We can learn a lot from Nature’s example. By sharing the responsibility of getting to where God is leading us we can avoid many of the pitfalls and barriers of life. And in so doing fulfill Jesus’ command to ‘carry each other’s burdens’.       

Prayer

“Help me to not refuse assistance in overcoming the world, Lord. Give me a humble spirit that understands the wisdom of accepting help. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”