God’s silliest goose meets actual geese

I don’t know why or how, but I think I’m starting to become a little obsessed with geese. Sure, they can be big honking pests at times, but I’ve been connecting with a group of them in Warner Robins for some reason. 

Coincidentally, I bought a t-shirt that says “God’s silliest goose.” I was often called a silly goose as a child, so it just seems to fit.

Speaking of geese, I was dropping my nephew off at work one morning when two of them decided to casually hang out in the grass. I had to get a photo, and one of them looked directly at me, like it was posing for its portrait.

I laughed all the way to work. Perhaps I still am a silly goose.

I didn’t think too much about my newfound feathered friend until a few days later. They were still hanging around, and, who I suspect were the reckless geese that came to visit me before, were crossing North Davis Drive in front of my car.

I was tempted to honk, but what would that have done? I feared a honk from me would have just warranted a honk back. Also, I’m not too keen on little birds using my car for target practice and I would not prefer a big bird to feel inclined.

So I stopped and let them pass. I may be constantly in a rush, but I’m not heartless.

I started thinking a lot about this gaggle of geese. Although I was slightly annoyed, I was also very protective of these two birds crossing the road. As a car came up from the opposite way, I was praying they were going to stop, so much that I was yelling, “You better not hit them geese!”

I realized, somewhere between the squawking and my internal shouting match with the oncoming traffic, that I wasn’t just watching geese, I was watching myself: oblivious, distracted, waddling through life without knowing the danger around me. And still, someone was watching over me.

In John 10, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” 

While geese aren’t sheep (and I’m certainly no shepherd), I started to see how God gently—and sometimes not-so-gently—slows us down, protects us, and watches for oncoming threats we don’t even know to fear. Sometimes, He nudges us away from danger. Other times, He just stands in the middle of the road yelling, “You better not hit my child!”

We’re not always aware of His presence, but we’re still under His care. Even when we’re being silly. Even when we’re in the way. Even when we’re honking back.

Now, I don’t think geese will ever become my favorite animal—that title belongs to the octopus—but they’re slowly winning me over.

I may be “God’s silliest goose,” but I’m grateful He’s still watching the road for me.