Membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Preparing for Exaltation Teacher's Manual.
The Church Strengthens and Unites Us
Story and discussion
Show the drawing of flying geese found at the end of the lesson (page 104).
• Some birds, like geese, migrate to different climates for summer and winter. Why do you think geese fly together in a V-formation when they migrate?
Relate the following in your own words:
Scientists have studied why geese fly in a V-formation when they migrate, and they have found that flying this way is easier on the birds than flying alone. The first bird must fly against the full strength of the wind, but each succeeding bird in the formation has less air resistance to push against. Since the birds take turns being the leader (and having the hardest flight), they can fly longer without getting tired. The geese also honk to encourage each other to keep going.
When a goose gets sick or wounded and has to land, two other geese land with it. They stay with the injured bird until it dies or gains enough strength to fly again. Then they catch up with their flock. (Adapted from Harvey O. Bennett’s address to Phi Theta Kappa, 5 May 1990. Used by permission of the Los Angeles County Office of Education.)
• How is the V-formation of the geese like the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How are we, as members of the Church, like the individual geese that fly in the formation?
Does this mean I'll get a turn to lead the church as prophet too? Sweet!