Cruising along the tranquil, if slightly murky, waters of the Sheyenne River beneath Valley City’s impressive Highline bridge, I wasn’t expecting a philosophical awakening. My kayak sliced silently through the water, the only sounds the gentle dip of my paddle and the occasional bird call. Then I saw them – a flotilla of fluffy, grey and yellow goslings, diligently trailing behind not one, but what appeared to be two very serious-looking mama geese.

This wasn’t your picturesque storybook scene of a single Mother Goose. This was a dual-parenting operation, a feathered family unit navigating the watery world with a precision that put my own kayaking skills to shame. It got me thinking, as random encounters often do when one is left alone with their thoughts and the distinct aroma of river sediment. What life lessons could we, as slightly more evolved (debatable, perhaps, after my last attempt at assembling a bookshelf in a box), land-dwelling bipeds, glean from these unassuming waterfowl?

Firstly, the sheer determination of those little goslings was inspiring, albeit in a slightly comical way. They paddled with tiny, frantic legs, creating miniature wakes in their wake. Some occasionally veered off course, distracted by a particularly interesting-looking piece of river gunk, only to be met with a stern honk from one of the matriarchs – then a swift return to the formation. Lesson one: Focus, people, focus! In a world of endless distractions – social media, that persistent craving for a second (or third) cup of coffee, the neighbor’s overly enthusiastic leaf blower – staying on track requires diligent paddling and the occasional corrective honk from reality.

Secondly, the co-parenting dynamic was fascinating. Both geese took turns at the helm, one leading the charge, the other bringing up the rear, ensuring no fluffy straggler was left behind. There was no discernible squawking about whose turn it was to navigate the tricky currents or who was responsible for pointing out potential bread crumb hazards. Lesson two: Teamwork makes the dream (or the river journey) work. Whether it’s raising kids, tackling a work project, or simply deciding who gets the last slice of pizza, cooperation and shared responsibility are key. Plus, having a backup honker can be surprisingly effective. Just ask that husband of mine!

Then there was the unflappable seriousness of the adult geese. They exuded an air of quiet authority, their beady eyes constantly scanning for threats (presumably overly curious kayakers and that gigantic snapping turtle lingering on shore). There was no room for dawdling or existential angst. Their mission was clear – they simply needed to get the goslings safely down the river. Lesson three: Sometimes you just gotta get things done. Life throws all sorts of metaphorical rivers our way, filled with obstacles and unpredictable currents. Dwelling on the “what ifs” or the “should haves” won’t get you downstream. Put your head down, flap your metaphorical wings, and keep moving forward.

Finally, and perhaps most humorously, there was the distinct lack of complaining. Despite the potentially tiring journey, the occasional bump into a submerged log, and the constant need to keep up, there were no goosey gripes audible. Lesson four: Maybe a little less squawking and a little more paddling wouldn’t hurt. We humans have a tendency to vocalize our displeasure at the slightest inconvenience. Perhaps we could take a cue from our feathered friends and channel that energy into more productive pursuits, like, say, not getting distracted by shiny things in the river or the store!

As I paddled away, leaving the little goose convoy to continue their journey under the silent watch of the Highline bridge, I couldn’t help but smile. Who knew that a chance encounter on the Sheyenne River could yield such profound (and slightly ridiculous) life lessons? Next time you see a gaggle of geese, take a moment to observe. You might just find a little wisdom floating by. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll resist the urge to honk unnecessarily.

I didn’t want this day to end but my kayak needed a nap.

The Blonde on the Prairie is a lover of ND. She is an author and motivational speaker, owner of “Monkey Balls” food truck and Joyologist to the elderly, the disabled and, now, also to children wherever she is needed during the school year and beyond.