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TITLE: Head Honker
By Joanie Butler
05/30/07
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This is a piece I did as a tribute to my Dad for his birthday. I am looking for any and all feedback on my writing style, grammer, sentence syntax, etc. I want to grow and improve as a writer so all honest feedback is appreciated.
To:
THE SELF-PROCLAIMED HEAD HONKER
On his Birthday, July 29, 2006


When you first started using that expression to identify yourself, I always thought to myself: “Head-Honker; yeah right!! More like the Old Gray Goose!”
Needless to say, I didn’t think too much of your self-proclaimed title. To me, as I tell on myself with shame and humility, I always felt that your title of “Head-Honker” was just another way of trying to control my life. Or, to remind me that you were in charge. Obviously, I have never taken too well to being told what to do, think, feel or believe. However, as I approach the age where I could be described as an Old Gray Goose myself I have started to realize some truths in the analogy of you being the “Head-Honker” of our family. So, here are some facts about why geese fly in a “V” pattern with one leading the pack.

• Geese fly in a “V” pattern to cut wind drag. The lead bird has the hardest job. It is the one expending the greatest effort. It is not up front to be seen, make decisions, or be applauded but to CARRY the rest of the flock.
• There is no single unchanging leader for a flock of geese on the move. The lead will be changed often to conserve the energy of the entire flock.
• Occasionally, the “V” pattern will look more like a check mark. This is a strategy used to shield the birds from cross-wind. The stronger fliers will take the brunt of the wind, allowing the weaker birds to rest on the sheltered side.

From this study of geese I have discovered some interesting things about your title of “Head Honker.”

1st – You have always tried, like the lead goose, to guide your children in the most important flight of our lives. You have provided us with spiritual leadership. You have been the model of Romans 12:8 which says: . . If it is leadership, let him govern diligently. . . You have been diligent in providing your children with a role-model of how a Christian husband and father should provide for his family.

2nd – You have been the one to expend great effort on our behalf. I know that you have expended great effort in prayer over my life. (For sure, I have provided you with lots of material during my life that needed prayer coverage!!) Again, this was modeling Christian principles as when Jesus told his disciples: “. . .that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1) I for one am truly grateful that you never gave up on me!! You have always been there covering me with prayer and “carrying” my load.




3rd – You gave each one of your children the guidance to have confidence to lead our own flock of geese, and to support each other in times of need. Again you were applying Christian principles for us to follow. You taught us that if anyone of us should grow weak one of the others should move to the front and take the lead for a while to provide rest for the whole. Galatians 6:2 teaches us. . . “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

4th – You taught us to deal with the wind. You have taught us to not waver in our faith. You taught us to hold fast to Jesus, as He will sustain us and help us to weather the storms of life. Just like James 1:6 says we must “. . . believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” You have exhibited this principle even during the roughest periods of our family history. Never once have you doubted God’s divine plan, wisdom and love for us. Even when Mom was taken to be with Jesus before any of us were ready, you exhibited grace and faith in the Master’s plan.

So, overall I would say that you deserve the title of “Head-Honker”! You have been a true spiritual leader to our family. A spiritual leader has a reputation for spirit-surrendered living. They live a life that exhibits wisdom in going first to the very places of discernment, faithfulness, and obedience. They model these principles and shine the light on the path for us to follow. Their presence inspires us to strive to grow closer to our Heavenly Father. You have been true to the principles God has set forth for a Godly father to follow. You have always been prepared to “. . . give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) And, you have taught you children to do likewise.

I, for one, am so grateful to you that your life has been a living and growing example of a Christ-filled life. You are a wonderful Christian, and a wonderful father. I can honestly say now, without a moments hesitation, that I am proud to fly in your flock and to call you my

“Head-Honker!”

With a grateful heart, and all my love; I wish you a “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” I wish I could be there to help you celebrate!


Fly On ~

© 2007 J Butler
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