Post Election Stress is for the Birds – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

When I hear the honking of geese, I step outside to see if they are close enough for me to catch the whirring of the air currents their strong wings stir up. In this part of Oregon, as temperatures chill we know they’ll soon be heading out for warmer climates.

It amazes me that they know how to do that.

Changes are coming, and I want to encourage you to look up. Maybe it will help relieve some of this season’s stress if I remind you of these noisy birds. 

I like watching geese fly, and I appreciate their unity as they work together to reach a common goal. If I’m patient I might see the leader at the point of the V-formation leave his post and drop to the back of the flock, giving way for the next bird to take his place.

Their tiny little brains have a lot on the ball.

Consider the birds

If we think of ourselves as a team, all working toward the goal, we stand a better chance of reaching our destination. We’ll arrive faster and with greater strength. We will also benefit from the security that comes with sticking together.

When an opportunity arises for a new goose to take her turn as leader, she isn’t judged by her strength, appearance, or behavior. She’s next in line for the job for that moment. She performs her task then moves on, leaving the spot open for the next leader to rise up.

It comforts me to remember that human leaders occupy a temporary position.

Remember, we don’t vote for someone who has all the right answers to all our concerns or has the ability to fix every problem. Our elections are for only assigning the next short-term leader.

Encourage the flock

God rules eternally over all. What we need now is for the next goose to do his or her part, and move on. And if honking is like praying, and it’s encouraging to those around us, let’s keep it up.

“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 ESV).

by Kathy Sheldon Davis