Consider the Goose
The other week I was sitting on the back deck, as I often do, staring out at the lake. There was something new on the landscape! Out in the lake and on this low water island there sat a goose. I said to my husband, “They’re back and she’s laying on eggs!” You see, this island spot has been the home to numerous goslings, and I believe the same parents, since our first spring here in tiny house 2020.
We always hear them fly in and we enjoy watching their antics. After the first influx of geese they seem to thin out and only one couple remains on the island. This year was no different. The binoculars got dusted off and became part of our deck decor. We watched for days – 28 of them to be precise.
One morning as we sat out soaking in the warm spring sunshine we spotted them – 5 little goslings swimming very close to shore. Mom was near them and Dad was at their side. After a few minutes, Mom waddled back on the island and sat down on her nest. We assumed there were a few more eggs to be hatched.
The air was quiet with a gentle breeze blowing when all of a sudden the explosion of goose honking and there was actually a wake on the surface of the calm lake. Papa Goose was walking on water and honking at a large duck that got too near his precious babes.
Always a Lesson To Be Learned
It’s no secret I love God and how creative He is. And, I think one of His greatest creations is the goose. They are majestic. They (tend to) mate for life. They are diligent. They are attentive. They are tenacious. And, all of those traits make them wonderful parents.
On this particular morning what struck me was the Gander’s protective skills. That big, bad duck got too close to his precious babies and he was not going to have any part of it. He raised Cane and scared it away. His babies were safe and sound under his wing.
We Have An Enemy
And, it ain’t a duck! The enemy of our soul gets too close to us at times and we need to behave like that Papa goose. Just start honking, walking on water and get rid of him!
How do we do that?
- Recognize the enemy.
- Know who you are and whose you are in Christ.
- Memorize scripture.
- Pray in the spirit and honk if you have to.
- Take back your territory.
- Hide yourself in God’s wings of refuge.
Those are the “take-away’s” of this goose story. Nothing silly about it – we must be vigilant. We must be tenacious. We must be armed and ready.
Be Ready For The Attack
Hope & Kindness,
Sus’ xo
I enjoyed the words of wisdom that come from this sweet story.
Hope you and Garo are well.
Dear Susan,
Did you know that historically the early church referred to the Holy Spirit as being like a “wild goose?” My son told me about it and I researched it for a post I wrote on FB last spring. Eventually the cover of our book came from that story too! I blogged about in one of my few posts last fall. Thank you for this wonderful reminder that stirred my heart again, just when I needed it!
We can learn much when we pay attention!