I live in a neighborhood right now with a crap ton (*actual number) of geese. Is it because of the river? The lake? I have no idea.  But I love watching them fly. 

I remember a day over a decade ago when I was trying to make a decision on a big career move. I had my niece Kimi with me and we drove way down to the south end of the valley where a new big beautiful school was being built — the school where I was thinking of maybe applying. 

At that point I had told no one. Except Kimi, I guess!

As we drove around the construction site, we stopped at the back of the school and noticed a huge flock of geese flying over a field that would become the football stadium. I jokingly said to Kimi, “If they land right here it means I’m supposed to apply for this job.”   

Geese are fascinating to me.  

I used to teach my high school students about them every year in a lesson about gratitude. 

I would tell them why geese are so cool with these kinds of facts:

Geese are masters at energy efficiency: Flying in a V helps geese take advantage of the air currents created by the bird ahead. The lift from the wings reduces wind resistance and saves energy for the whole group.

Geese are masters at teamwork and rotation: The lead goose works hardest, breaking the air for the others. When it gets tired, it moves to the back, and another goose takes over. This rotation keeps the whole flock strong for the long journey.

Geese are masters at communication: Geese honk to encourage one another and to stay in sync. Those sounds help them keep formation and maintain morale, especially during tough stretches.

Geese are masters at navigation and visibility: The V shape gives every bird a clear line of sight. They can see the leader and each other, which helps with coordination and direction changes.

Geese are masters at protection: Flying in formation keeps the group tight and organized, making it harder for predators to target one bird alone.

And, Geese are masters at learning and leadership: Younger or less experienced geese learn the route and flight patterns by flying in formation with older birds. It’s how they pass on migratory knowledge across generations.

I would then ask my students a question: “Today, can you picture someone in your flock of geese?”  — someone who, like geese:

• Quietly makes things easier? 
• Leads and helps to carry the weight?
• Offers kind words that keeps you going?
• Can see what you can’t and helps you stay on course?
• Stands with you when things get hard?
• Has flown the path before you and has passed along their wisdom?

Then, in that classroom I loved so much, we would each use construction paper and stencils and doilies and colored pencils and markers and stickers and glue to make a thank you note for one of those geese in our lives. 

These tough high school kids would get super into it and it always turned out to be a really fun and sweet activity. 

So I’ll ask you the same question: Today, can you picture someone in your flock of geese?

Thanksgiving is in 12 days. What if we all spent just a few minutes with some craft supplies and sent a thank you note in the actual mail to that someone before this gratitude season ends?

It might be fun! You might get super into it. 😉 

By the way, that flock of geese swooped down right by us and landed in that field right next to me and Kimi. I didn’t need a sign, but I took it as one.  Kimi and I drove away and the rest is history. I spent the last nine years of my career in education at that school – and I smiled every time I saw one of ‘my’ geese. 

I can’t wait to hear about the note you write to one of your chosen flock members – and if you need some craft supplies, I’m all stocked up! 

PS That school I mentioned is playing for a state football title on Friday.  They don’t need me to wish them luck, but I’m doing it anyway! 

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PPS If you liked this post – or any others, I’d love you to pass me and my work on to a friend.  They can find out much more about me here if they’re interested!