A Chevron of Geese

 

We heard them before they were in view. A chevron of geese heading off as summer begins to shut down and autumn heralds colder days to come. We watched as they crossed our skies, honking at one another. Arguing over whose turn it was to lead? Discussing which way they should go? Indicating weariness and a desire to find a place to rest overnight?

Geese make a lot of noise, but they seem to get where they are headed through frequent changes of leadership. As one leader grows tired, another flaps up from the wings and takes the helm.

We need the most able to lead us, nationally and globally, through the crisis of climate change, through the pandemic of Covid-19, through the civil unrest over injustice, and through negotiations to establish harmonious working relationships with our neighbours and other trading partners.

There is a lot of honking going on right now. People jostling to be heard; folks suffering the terrible effects of lockdown, of the virus, of working-from-home in less than ideal conditions. Pain and lack are all around. We are all weary.

This morning I read the words of John in his first letter, writing to people who were enduring hard times in the first century. ‘Do not let anyone lead you astray’, or, in another version ‘Don’t let anyone divert you from the truth.’

As I said, we need the most able to lead us through the many emergencies into which the world has plunged. I guess we better keep honking. (and praying!)