Stroll for your Soul

Blessings.
We are almost at the end of our series of inspirational messages that have focused on Homes.  We have taken time to stroll our neighbourhoods, back yards, parks, or just sit and look out a window.  This resource is adapted from, and used with permission from, The Prayer Bench (https://prayerbench.ca/).  Today's message is from Rev. Gail. 
Our Habitat for Today :  The Canadian Goose !
I know it has been difficult for parents, and some grandparents that have been home schooling during this pandemic.  Taking care of children is wonderful – but can also be exhausting.  But imagine if you had 30 -40 little ones to take care of! 
But, it is not uncommon to see that if you walk down by any river where there are Canadian Geese.
As I (Rev. Gail) walk the river in Stratford, I have noticed again this year how the young goslings from various nests have been gathered together, and they are being raised under the watchful eyes of ‘Nannies’.  Yes – adult geese take it upon themselves to take care of all the little ones in the community.  I haven’t figured out if they take it in turns, but research tells me that the older geese sometimes teach the young geese about the best ways to train the young goslings.  It all seems very organized in the Geese crèches.  There are sometimes more than 80 of them all at different ages and stages, learning to clean themselves, swim, jump in an out of the water and more.  They sleep, eat, swim and play together in community!
I find I like to admire them from a distance, for fear that they may decide to all walk in my direction.
 
Blessings to your home, and to your crèches, Geese.
If you have the chance to stroll by water and see the Geese, as you watch them, I invite you to reflect on what this can teach us about living in community?  
Have we sometimes become too insular, or too afraid of strangers, that we forget what we can learn from one another?  
How can we improve the way in which we reach out to care for others in our community?
Peace, Rev. Gail

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