Goose in love

Recently my wife, Dorinda, and I were driving along a sunlit country lane. As we neared a pond off to our left, we noticed a family of Canada geese milling about on the shoulder of the highway. Suddenly Papa Goose strode out to the middle of the road, turned to face our approaching vehicle, lifted his feathery wings, stretched his neck up as high as it would go, and quacked a series of commands that left no doubt that he was ordering us to stop. "We did.

Mother Goose looked simply radiant as she led her eight not-ready-to-fly-yet ducklings onto the blacktop. As the brood paraded single file behind him, Papa remained at his post--a 50-pound goose staring down a 5,000-pound Dodge Caravan.

We sat in silence watching the amazing demonstration of determination, bravery, and love; marveling at the fact that the male goose had willingly placed himself between harm and his little family. He stood there--wings outstretched, mouth open wide--until everyone had safely traversed both lanes of the highway. Then he folded his feathers, lowered his head, and quickly followed the others under the fence and out onto a farmer's field.

Love. Family. Relationships: topics that impact our health in many and profound ways. Whether you're a parent protecting your offspring from the stresses of extracurricular overload, sifting through the psychology of a moody mate, or working to strengthen the golden strand of intimacy that so many married couples seem to ignore these days, love motivates you like nothing else on earth.

Where did that goose learn how to be so brave? I believe his commitment to his family was placed in his heart by the Creator God.

Two thousand years ago that same God willingly placed Himself between us and harm, lifted His arms, and died. In the ultimate demonstration of love, He showed us at what level we should care for those to whom we're committed. To Christ, there was nothing more important than our physical happiness, mental maturity, and spiritual safety.

If a goose can learn to love so deeply, so can we--with the help of the One who created us all.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Review and Herald Publishing Association
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group