After two long pastorates in Duluth, Minnesota, and Riverside, Illinois, I observed that geese fly in formation.  They have a 70% advantage over a single goose seeking to do his or her own thing.  Put simply, geese fly much faster information than one by one.

Fortunately, we are rounding the bend from an epoch of self-centeredness.  And, leading the way are the youth of our nation.  I am so proud of their many examples of service and caring.  Our attempt to construct barriers of safety around our schools, including metal detectors, are just bandages.  In a day when prayers are not allowed in public schools, what does work are churches that provide nourishing relationships with Jesus Christ... churches that fill the vacuum and emptiness with positive, creative opportunities for service.  For we know that the self is fulfilled not by itself but through service beyond itself.  We are beginning to salute commitment, community, and covenant as a society.  We are recognizing that to soar boldly and effectively we must fly in formation, not solo.

Just as stray or lost geese circle about, we are often lost for several days in a fog, until we hear the familiar honking of the flock, encouraging us on.

Prayer:  Creator God, who knows cold and heat, darkness and light, despair and courage, warm our hearts with your hopes and redemptive love, the comfort of close friends, and the TA-DA! of bright smiles.  Watch over the men and women and all chaplains serving our country in far away places, and be with their families back home.  Bless us now so we may be a blessing to others.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.