Honk If You Need Encouragement

By Norma J. Goldman

In his powerful book on leadership, Gene Getz describes the lessons learned from a flock of geese flying in formation.

“As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds that follow. By flying in a ‘V’ formation, the flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. 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 in front. When the lead bird tires, it rotates back into the formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it. The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.” [1]

As we move through the challenging experience of life, it is encouraging to know we are not alone. Not only do we have the presence of a loving Savior, we are part of a great body of believers, a “flock” if you will. Flying along the path God has chosen for us, we are motivated and encouraged by the lift of fellow believers as they join us on the journey.

The story of the geese highlights a spiritual truth—we are stronger in community. Our range of ministry is greatly extended when we partner together at home, in our communities, our work, and our churches. You cannot know what impact your affirmation of a job well done will have on another believer, or how your hard work will spur him to excellence.

Dropping out of the lead for a period of refreshment is a good thing as well. How blessed we are that God has a vast army at His disposal—others ready to step in for a time while we catch our breath and regroup after an especially rough period.

Who could measure the value of the honk of encouraging words? I’m not referring to the impatient driver behind you, but to the “honk” of someone who notices your work and tells you what a difference it made in his life. To give an encouraging word, a pat on the shoulder, a public word of approval, or a brief note provides the spiritual lift to press on.

We are not alone, though sometimes we feel so. Henry Lyte wrote in his hymn Abide With Me, “When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O, abide with me." [2] Because God designed us to live (and fly) in community, it is by His design that we feel a “drag” as geese do when flying out of formation. How like our Father to create circumstances that bring us back into line when we’ve lost sight of the goal.

Scripture is filled with examples that point us to nature for spiritual truths: “Consider the lilies…how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin, yet…even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Matthew 7:28, 29). “Fear ye not…ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31).

God knows our path and our present position. Perhaps you are not in a good place right now. Whatever your specific challenges—family, work, finances, health, discouragement—God knows. He has placed someone in front of you and someone behind you to ease the burden of your journey. Take note of the one who shares your load and rejoice in God’s provision, “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow” as one songwriter said.

[1] Getz, Gene A., Elders and Leaders, Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL, 2003, pp. 23-24.

[2] Lyte, Henry F., 1793—1847, "Abide With Me."

About the Writer: Former magazine editor Norma J. Goldman enjoys a successful freelance career in her retirement. The award-winning writer lives near Nashville, TN. Learn more about retirement options at www.boardofretirement.com.