Having spent most of my life outdoors I can attest to the amazing complexity of birds gathering for migration. No single event or calendar day can contain the thousands of interactions that take place as flocks begin to grow. There is a lot of push and pull, as they swirl back and forth in every direction for weeks. But if things go according to design the day finally comes when they decide to form up and head for their Winter home.

Our family has experienced so many of the same issues that God has taught the birds how to overcome. There have been many conflicts and sorrows, changes and difficulties. But all through the years there has also been an overriding force that has kept us together. That force in our family has been the love of Jesus Christ. He continues calling us together in spite of all our differences. He seems to specialize in knitting our hearts together in times of adversity. He has worked tirelessly, day and night, year after year to teach us to fly in loving formation. All of this Jesus does, not simply to force us into His path; but rather to prepare us. He has looked at the forecast and He knows we need to prepare. He sees that just ahead lies a Wintertime and we must form up and be ready for our journey home!