Karla’s Korner: The Geese in the Road
Karla’s Korner
The Geese in the Road
The Geese in the Road: Embracing Life’s Disruptions
Having spent the weekend at a conference in Hampton, Virginia I found myself sitting in busy traffic watching the chaos of the city. Zipping through busy intersections trying to find our way around I was beyond thankful that my husband was behind the wheel. On our way to dinner on Saturday evening traffic came to an abrupt stop in the middle of a busy intersection. Much to our surprise the reason behind the traffic tie up was a gaggle of geese casually strutting across the street. What appeared to be a few adults and a slew of youngsters following their lead we watched as they headed toward a decorative fountain on the other side of the road. For a brief moment everything stood still while the geese made their way to their destination. I have a hunch that this was not the first trip this feathered family made that particular trek. Grabbing my IPhone I snapped a few pictures as they reached the other side of the road. And just like that the moment was over and traffic began to move.
Reflecting on the highlights of the weekend my mind drifted back to the geese and how with a single step they managed to stop three lanes of city traffic to reach their destination. Naturally drivers could have chosen to keep going causing harm to the geese but they didn’t. Not one car moved until all of the geese were safely on the other side. Everyone did the right thing; they put things on hold for the right reasons. Those seemingly insignificant geese caused life as we knew it to stop briefly and adjust to their schedule.
As my husband and I sat patiently waiting for the geese to cross the road, snapping pictures and chuckling at the way they took their time, beaks raised a bit in a rather sophisticated way I wondered how many of the other drivers were enjoying the break; how many were angry for the delay? So what do these geese represent? What relevance did their presence have in the day’s events? Is it possible that the geese represent the need to slow down from our routines so that we can take time to reflect, ponder and spend time with people who matter to us? Were they there to remind us to embrace disruptions instead of become angry because of them? I wonder.
While I am sure some people waiting for the geese to cross were probably angry because it was delaying them from where they were going, I imagine others welcomed the minute to enjoy the song on the radio, think back to a fond memory the song reminds them of or just enjoy a moment of stillness. They (the geese) remind us to take a moment out of our routine to think, reflect or just be still; refreshing our soul. Those geese were not there by accident, I believe they were placed there as a reminder to slow down. American author, educator, and clergyman Henry van Dyke once said “As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge.” When God puts a flock of geese in your way I encourage you to take a gander and enjoy the break, nourish your soul and welcome the disruption. You will find that the routine will be waiting for your return.
Peace,
Karla
I am proud to introduce a new column to Madame Deals! I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!
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