CHAPTER 8, PAGE 22

Canada geese mate for life and often return year after year to the same location to raise their young. They fiercely defend their nest and young against all intruders. Usually a pair of geese will build their nest and hatch the young in one location, then move the goslings on foot to a carefully chosen brood site, where they will stay until the young learn to fly.

In nearly all cases, whether afloat or afoot, one of the parents leads the way and the other brings up the rear, with the young ones safely between.

A pair of Canada geese set up housekeeping on an island in a farm pond in New Jersey. Year after year these two returned to raise their young. One summer, only one of seven eggs hatched, and the hatchling died the next day. The parents moped for days only to be faced with a new problem.

From the woods by the lake another pair of Canada geese emerged with eight brand-new babies. For some reason, this new pair had chosen the farm pond - and woefully, the island itself - as their brood site.

As they arrived on the scene they went straight to the island ready to do battle for the rights to the location. Of course the residents fought hard to keep what they thought was their own territory, but they could not drive the newcomers away.

As night approached, the resident pair still occupied the island - except for a corner where the new pair huddled with their young, having been granted sleeping privileges.

The farmer and his wife went to bed that evening wondering what the outcome of the battle would be the next day. Imagine the farmer's surprise the next morning when he looked out on the lake and saw eight baby geese swimming peacefully with not one but two parents in the lead and two bringing up the rear.

By making peace, the adult geese had not only provided double protection for the goslings but had also provided the resident pair with babies to care for to replace the ones they had lost.

Source: Glimpses of God's Love by James A. Tucker and Priscilla Tucker

  GOOD MORNING !

It is so true that often fights begin over something that can be worked out if only we try. Trying is the hard part, but if we look at what might be beneficial to all, not just our selves, peace can be made and harmony restored.

Here we are OVER THE HUMP DAY . This whole week has been busy busy so far. Tomorrow night after work I finally get my new teeth…I’ve been making do pretty well, but will be delighted to have my new bridge work and not be afraid to bite down on something.

Monday after work was the closing on DD's new house

Tuesday evening was my get together with my dulcimer buddies

Today they are putting down a new floor in my kitchen.  It's been badly needed since I moved in this house so it's long overdue.

Friday evening, I think I'll just collaspe when I get home....

  THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Put your troubles in a pocket that has holes in it.

May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart !

MA

 

 

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