Each fall we are visited by flocks of migrating geese that stop off at a meadow near our home. For several weeks those birds fly in long, wavy V-formations over our house, honking as they go. But then, as winter approaches, they are off again on their long flight south.

A student of mine increased my appreciation for these visitors from the north. He told me that geese fly at speeds of 40 to 50 miles per hour. They travel in formation because as each bird flaps its wings an updraft is created for the bird behind it. They can go 70 percent farther in a group than they could if they flew alone.

Followers of Christ are like that in a way. As we work together to move toward a common goal, we strengthen and help one another (Acts 18:23,27). We can accomplish more together than we can alone.

Geese also honk at one another. They are not critics but encouragers. Those in the rear sound off to exhort those up front to stay on course and maintain their speed. We too can make greater progress if there is someone behind us encouraging us to stay on track and keep going.

Is someone flying in formation with you today to whom you might give some "helpful honks"?  —Haddon Robinson  — Haddon W. Robinson