I moved to Connecticut in July. That is when I first met the goose who lived down by the river. I walk along the Connecticut River daily, and this goose brought me comfort each day. I can’t be sure, but I believe God put him there just for me. You see, he arrived the same time I did, perhaps even to the day. I am not sure. No one knew why he suddenly appeared by the dock at the river near my house or where he came from, but he loved to hang out with people there,
Years ago, I wrote a book about finding a place to belong, addressing issues of identity, loss, rejection, and grief that can often leave us feeling a bit “lost.” Throughout the book, entitled “Understanding Goose,” I inserted various anecdotal stories and facts about geese, based on the true story of a goose that had lost its mate and “adopted” my parents decades ago. Geese have a strong sense of finding their way home, and they also have a mate for life. If they lose their mate, they may “adopt” a human, as if they are looking for a place to call home. I felt like the goose was a hug from God and from Wyndham, reminding me that He knew I had lost my mate and needed a place to call home. I often thanked God for this meaningful gift, as it was comforting, a continual reminder that God was saying, “I am with you here. I know, and I know that you know.” The goose was there for my first three months of transition, and then it was gone. I heard that a woman who rescued wildlife took him to a safe place. He may have been rescued, but he was a safe place for me. I missed seeing him but knew he had served his time there, reminding me that I am never alone.
This morning, I prepared for a Zoom meeting with my doctoral advisor concerning the first chapter of my dissertation. My advisor helps me know how I am doing on my project, gives helpful input, and offers encouragement. In my talk with God beforehand, I told Him how I wished I could have a conversation like that with Him, where I could more concretely hear Him, His feedback, and His encouragement. I told Him how much I appreciate the encouragement He gives, but I felt the need to hear it more clearly from Him. I thanked Him for the goose and the way it had been a “voice of encouragement” to me. I concluded, that after three months, the goose had served its purpose. I thought to myself that it was time for me to fly, and asked God if he would give me an eagle today, for that visible encouragement. I have never seen an eagle on my walks, though through binoculars I saw this one way down the river this summer while on a boat ride.
As I neared the bank of the river, I stopped…just to check. Across the river, I noticed a large bird flying, and while I hoped it might be my answered prayer…I figured it was probably a more common bird, like a hawk. At that moment, the bird turned ninety degrees and flew directly over my head. It was clearly an eagle. I have no explanation why it turned from its path and flew over my head, except for God’s love for me and His encouragement. I could hear God telling me, “I am still with you in your transition, and it’s time to fly.” I then felt tears falling down my face and thanked God for His tender care.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:29-31)
Thank you Jeannie, beautiful story & thank you for the reminder that God keeps His promises, loves us and shows us signs each day that He is faithful & carrying us on the wings of eagles! During times of transition and during times of pain, He comforts us as we pray & look for His signs…thank you. ❤️
LikeLike
Thank you, Tanya.
LikeLike
Wow, wow, wow! I love this Jeanie! Thank you for sharing God’s encouragement with us! I love nature and I love how you see God in everything. I’d say he DM’d you (as the kids say) with your goose and eagle! Wow!! Have a beautiful day sister. ❤️❤️ Mary-Kay Ramos, Miami FL
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
Thank you, Mary Kay. Yes, those messages are quite special. Sending love.
LikeLike
I love your connection to nature. I feel it too, definitely kisses from God.
LikeLike
Love God’s kisses 🙂
LikeLike
Jeanie,
That was so very tender and encouraging. Thank you for this reminder of God’s loving care. It was a delightful, peaceful beginning to my day.
Julie
LikeLike
Thanks, Julie!
LikeLike
The goose, the eagle, it sounds just like God to do that for you. This makes me want to practice slowing and see the gifts he may have put out for me, but I miss them as I push to “get everything done on my to-do list”. God is even better than we thought.
LikeLike
So true. Thank you, Jim
LikeLike
Oh my goodness, Jeanie. What connection and how perfect for this season, especially as November is a significant time in several ways. November is the perfect month for these messages, and you write beyond yourself to encourage so many. I’m printing this and nestling it in my copy of Goose.
LikeLike
Love you so much.
LikeLike
Wow! I am beyond words as you describe how God cares for us. I love your symbolism with birds. Thanks for being such an encouragement.
LikeLike
Thank you for your encouragement!
LikeLike
So moving! Miracle from God! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
Thank you, Cynthia
LikeLike
This brought tears of joy and comfort to me today ❤ Our God is an awesome God!!
Always loves us, protects us and answers the prayers from our heart! He knows our needs before we do!! Thank you very much for sharing your heart with us!!
LikeLike
Thank you, June.
LikeLike
Thank you, Jeanie. God is truly wonderful. I find nature often provides answers to my questions, whether I ask them out loud or internally.
LikeLike
Thanks, Andy. I enjoy your beautiful photos.
LikeLike