They walked around the milk house, then past the barn. They paused briefly to flap their wings disapprovingly at the weeds in my garden, then continued on around the garage, and out into the hay field where they walked it’s length back and forth a couple times before finally filing back down to the shore of the lake where they came from. All this was carried out in complete order and dignified silence.
I feel like there was some kind of lesson being taught to these young swans as they followed their parents on this mysterious tour, mimicking their elders’ every step. What it was I never will know, I suppose. Perhaps it was an exercise routine to strengthen land skills before a long flight south for the winter. Perhaps it was a family outing, just for the fun of it. Perhaps it was an educational tour of local farm life (if they were expecting anything spectacular, I’m afraid they were disappointed).
Or maybe I was just watching the trumpeter swan version of the game of “Follow the Leader”. If that was the case, we could certainly learn from their example. It’s a game that contains principles for life.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:26)
More posts about our resident trumpeter swans here, here , here and here.
Rejoicing Hills 