When we lived on a lake in Michigan, we were fascinated by a flock of Canadian geese which stopped on our lake front every spring and fall on their yearly migrations.

Interestingly, they were led by a large, white barnyard goose. We could imagine that he started hobnobbing with Canadian geese when he was small and took off with them one day. We could tell it was the same flock each time, because he was always there. Later we noticed one mixture which we assumed was his offspring. As I observed their behavior and learned more about them, I became impressed with the way they help each other and how they cooperate. Also that they had no color prejudice.

When they fly south in the familiar V-formation, they fly together because it is easier to do it together than alone. The front goose has to work the hardest because it has to break the air, but the geese farther back get uplift off the wings of the birds in front of them. They also take turns being the lead goose who falls back into the formation and another goose moves up to take the lead. The ones in the back of the V keep honking to encourage the ones up front to keep going. In case a bird gets sick or hurt, two other geese will fly with it to the ground to help and protect it. They do not leave until the goose is either well enough to fly again, or until it dies.

I have always been fascinated with the lessons which God can teach us through nature, which is considered His second book. This is an excellent source of True Science which always agrees with Revelation. We know that was a favorite study of jesus as a boy, because when he spoke to the people, he used many illustrations which he learned from experience and observation of nature. When he gave the parable of the sower, the wheat and tares or the flowers of the field, it showed that he understood principles of agriculture.

Jesus also studied the living creatures. One of my favorite quotations written about the boyhood of Christ tells that “He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose. He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen, illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God.”

I often regret that my early life was not more oriented to this wonderful source of truth. How much better it would have been for me as a child to know more of God’s second book instead of nursery rhymes and fairy tales which I learned both at home and public school. It is no wonder that when I had opportunity for many years to teach young children in Sabbath School, my emphasis was on learning to know God’s love through nature. I used stories, songs, fingerplays and illustrations to teach, taking to my heart the guidance of Bible verses which said, ?ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee; Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.? Job 12:7,8

We can learn lessons of diligence from the ant as well as the value of work, because she not only works hard, but prepares for winter during the summer, even though she has ?no guide, overseer or ruler.? Prov. 6:6-8. Also ?the conies are but feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.? Prov. 30:26. And there are more. Incidentally, we learned that Canadian geese mate for life. What an example to us humans.

So we suggest God’s second book as one of the best ways to teach your children character traits, spiritual lessons and other valuable information. Even from babyhood, children are fascinated with what can be learned in the great out-of-doors. Buy or borrow books which will help you and pray for the Creator of all things to give the insight you need to convey these wonders to your children.

This article was reprinted with permission from the Moore Report International, Nov/Dec 1999.
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