Not long ago a study was made of the winners of the National Merit Scholarships.  Something that should not surprise us was discovered. Behind every boy and girl was some individual who really cared. 

Maggie Koone, who has headed the great panthers, told some interesting facts about the sand hill cranes. These large birds commute great distances and traverse continents.  They have at least three remarkable qualities.  

For one thing, they rotate leadership.  No one bird stays out front all the time. 

Second, they choose a leader who can handle turbulence.

And three, all during the time one bird is leading, the rest are honking, signaling their affirmation.

That's not a bad model for life.  None of us need to be out front all the time.  Leaders should be able to handle turbulence.  And all of us have the need of honking their encouragement. 

Come to think of it, that's a pretty good model for the church.