The Priority of Familyনমুনা

V FORMATION 

The wild goose (Olor columbianus) has a unique habit that can teach us something valuable. When the winter is over, they will migrate in groups from the southern parts of America to Canada and northern Alaska to lay eggs. A group of wild geese can number up to five hundred. The journey of these geese has two features. First, they can fly to a height of more than 1,800 meters. It is the height that is above the mountains where they could escape the storm. Second, they fly in a V formation that can reach a speed of up to 160 km/hr. According to calculation, 25 geese that fly together in that formation can cover a distance of 70% farther than if these birds fly alone.

What is the reason? The reason is that the goose that flies in the front will "make a path" for other geese that are behind it. Each goose that follows the leader benefits from the goose in front of him, which delivers upward pressure with a flutter. This method reduces the overall lift required. The geese will take a turn to lead at the front. By doing so, they save their energy and can travel a very long distance.

When a goose is sick, the group will not leave that goose alone. Another goose will accompany the sick goose until it recovers and able to continue the long journey.

The same principle also applies to Christian families. Christian families are called to live as a team and "fly in groups." Our life is full of dynamics. Many changes and obstacles may come and go. The pressure is too heavy to deal with on our own. In such conditions, we must support and strengthen each other, and not weaken each other. The husband should love the wife, and the wife should submit to her husband. Parents should love and educate children in God’s way, and the children should obey and respect their father and mother. That is the capital needed to be a strong and harmonious family!

Today’s devotional

1. Does our family work as a team?

2. How much do we care about our families? Is our family strong in the Lord?

Today’s actions

Working together as a team in a family will be much more enjoyable if we are willing to humble ourselves and put each other first.