GOAL

 by Macy Johnson

“This is what the Lord says to me:

‘Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.’”

(Isaiah 21:6 NIV)

 

GOAL is an acronym for Get Out And Look! This expression is used to remind drivers to get out of their truck and look before backing up. My husband, Jeff, and I have a list of procedures to help set up and take down our camper. On the set up list is written: “Pull trailer to site – GOAL – Get Out And Look! Take your time!”

 

I wish I had learned that lesson years ago. Sally might have lived longer. She was a wonderful, sweet, brindle, English Setter bird dog. Sally perched herself in the front seat of our Subaru when she went hunting with Jeff. She also liked to sleep in the driveway, close to the house.

One morning on my way to work, I opened the garage door, backed my car out, and ran over Sally! I rushed her to the vet for multiple, expensive repairs to her wounded body. I wish I could say I learned my lesson back then, but I can’t. Several years later, same dog, same car, different house, I backed over Sally again! She had suffered enough at my carelessness, so we had her put to sleep.

It breaks my heart every time I think of Sal, which we fondly called her. What lesson is God teaching me by allowing me to relive the pain these many years later?

God calls me to slow down and pay attention to this amazing gift of life. I dare not rush into anything or jump to conclusions. I need to view and test my surroundings before I move forward, or back - GOAL.

I will be on the lookout for all that God is doing around me. I hope you will, too!