follow the leader

You played the game as a kid, right?

FOLLOW THE LEADER

So when I snapped this photo at the beach a few weeks ago, that's the first thing that came to mind.

Then it got me really thinking.

They are so smart. 

I did a little research and 65% of bird species migrate.

Some migrate alone (not smart)

others migrate in pairs (smarter, but not the best way)

while others migrate in flocks and help each other out (really smart!)

They migrate in well-defined formations...

The one in front "splits the air" and then after a while 

it passes to the rear for the rest of the journey. 

This flight formation is aerodynamic....

each individual bird makes an upwash behind its wing tips

offering an extra lift to those behind.

Also because they are following each other perfectly spaced in V formation

they have unimpaired vision for the flight ahead.

Flying in V formation also allows the birds to communicate better 

and keep the flock together during long distance journeys.

Soooooooooooooo

think through this with me. 

These elementary rules of 

"following the leader" helps 

every 

single 

bird 

to perform at their very best level. 

They happily help their neighbor

 and take turns doing the hardest part.

They have a strong sense of teamwork 

and even the youngest one pitches in to help without complaint.

Everyone realizes that it's easier if they all work together.

hmmmmmm.....

The realize they may have miles to go 

but if they work with each other's interest at heart, 

they can make their journey easier to travel and therefore more enjoyable.

The V formation helps them to have a clear vision

about where they are going so they can all see what lies ahead.

We can be as smart as these birds.

We should be. 

We can take turns being the leader and carrying the heavy load for the one behind us.

We can and should look out for our neighbor

whether we know them or not.

We should communicate better so that we can stick together through thick and thin...

through the tough times...

through sickness and in health.

We should stay perfectly spaced so that we have a clear vision of what lies ahead....

so that we can alert each other of danger or share good news.

But we should remain close enough so that we are just a wingspan away from each other 

if one should get hurt or fall.

And even though we can take the role as the leader of the V,

there should always be one leader ahead of us...

the one we should follow and migrate toward all year long.

If we followed Jesus in V formation every single day,

our journey would be oh so much easier.

And guess what...He never leaves the lead position and never moves to the back.

Friends, let us spread our wings and soar ahead as we follow the leader.

Happy flying!

xoxo,

Caroline