Embracing the Spirit of Stewardship: Lessons from Canada Geese
Written by Rev. Dr. David S. Bell
As the humid summer days gave way to crisp autumn mornings and we experience the throes of a typically busier season of church life, it's a perfect moment to reflect on the virtues of stewardship and generosity. During a week away, I was inspired by an unexpected source: the Canada goose. People do tend to have a passive-aggressive relationship with these feathered creatures. Nonetheless, observing their behaviors and natural instincts can provide valuable insights into our own approach to giving and managing our resources. Canada geese are often seen as a symbol of strength and perseverance. Their migratory journeys, intricate formations, and cooperative behavior offer profound lessons in stewardship and generosity that resonate deeply with our church’s mission.
Commitment to the Journey: Long-Distance Travel
Canada geese are renowned for their incredible migratory journeys by traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. This endurance and commitment are mirrored in our own stewardship journey. Just as the geese embark on their long travels with a clear purpose, our efforts in supporting the Church require dedication and a shared vision. The discipline of stewardship involves not simply occasional acts of giving but a consistent, purposeful approach to supporting our vision and mission.
Flying in Formation: The Power of Teamwork
One of the most striking features of Canada geese is their V-shaped flying formation. Not only does this formation produce efficiency, it is a strategic choice that maximizes energy conservation. Each bird benefits from the uplift of the bird in front of it, making the journey less taxing for the whole flock. This teamwork and mutual support are key aspects of stewardship. When we contribute to our church, we participate in a broader, collective effort. Each person’s contribution, no matter the amount, supports the whole community. Each gift contributes to the achievement of a greater difference in people’s lives. We accomplish more together than we ever could alone.
Helping the Flock: Mutual Support
During their migration, Canada geese take turns leading the formation, with the lead bird rotating to share the load. When a goose falls ill or becomes exhausted, others will drop back to assist. This mutual aid is a powerful metaphor for generosity within our church community. True stewardship involves our prayers, presence, gifts, witness, and service. We are called to support one another through challenges. By sharing our resources and time, we help uplift each other, ensuring that no one bears their burdens alone.
Navigating the Challenges: From Chaos to Clarity
On the ground, Canada geese can appear quite chaotic. They honk loudly and flap their wings in what seems like a disorganized frenzy. This apparent chaos reflects a natural process of communication and coordination among the flock as they prepare for their next move. Similarly, our church community will experience periods of conflict or a lack of direction. Just as the geese's apparent disorder masks a deeper organizational rhythm, our church's moments of discord can be opportunities for growth and alignment. These times of challenge call for patience and a renewed focus on our shared values and goals. The geese eventually find their way with renewed clarity and coordination. Likewise, we can transform the seeming chaos into a vibrant, purposeful direction by addressing conflicts constructively and celebrating our diversity.
Preparing for the Future: Seasonal Planning
Canada geese are meticulous planners. They prepare for their migration well in advance. They gather strength and resources to ensure that they can complete their journey. Similarly, effective stewardship requires foresight and planning. The generosity journey is an opportunity to plan for future needs and projects. Just as geese prepare for their long journeys, church leaders must consider the long-term impact of contributions and ensure that we are laying a strong foundation for future generations.
Celebrating Success Together: Arrival and Reunion
When Canada geese finally reach their destination, they do so together and celebrate the success of their collective journey. This sense of shared accomplishment can be seen in our church community, too. Congregations come together to celebrate not just financial success but a spirit of generosity. This collective celebration reinforces the spiritual discipline of generosity and reminds us of the importance of working together towards the wider mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
A Call to Action
As we ponder the spiritual discipline of generosity, let us take inspiration from the Canada geese. I call upon you to commit to this faithful stewardship journey with purpose, to support each other with empathy, to overcome conflicts with renewed vigor, to plan wisely for the future, and to celebrate our collective achievements. By embodying these principles, we not only support our collective vision but also strengthen our shared mission. Together, let’s soar to new heights of stewardship and generosity.