There are a number of reasons that geese fly in a V-formation. The formation conserves energy. The geese face less wind resistance, receiving a boost of air waves from those flying in front. The further back a goose is in formation, the less energy it needs in the flight.

An additional benefit to the V-formation is that it is easy to keep track of every bird in the group. Fighter pilots often use this formation for the same reason. When a goose tires or drops out, another one or two fly down with it, keeping it company until it is ready to resume the flight. The geese are keeping a close eye on the gaggle.

A gaggle, to us non-feathered types, might be compared to a group of friends. We need each other: for encouragement, advice, attention, even sharing a laugh. We need to take care of all of the geese in our gaggle.

In the book of Acts, Barnabas was known as an encourager to his friends. He was the first to extend trust to the much-feared Saul after his conversion. The apostles were skeptical of Saul but Barnabas persisted, describing Saul’s dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. Barnabas brought Saul into the gaggle, opening the door of ministry to the most effective evangelist on earth.

Who knows the impact you might have someone, by bringing him or her into your gaggle?