'Goald'

When is a typo not a mistake? When it leads you to a higher meaning. 

This morning I was in a hurry to finish an email message. I was flying along, proud of my efficiencies, when I looked at the screen and realized that my touch typing skills had failed me. Instead of typing the word "goals," what I saw instead on the screen was the word "goald."

Goald. That was an easy typing error since the "d" key is positioned next to the "s" key.

Goald. Hmmm . . . maybe that’s not such an error.

It's common to be a goaled person, spurred on by a commitment to getting things accomplished.  And that very act of getting things accomplished gives a sense of achievement, satisfaction, and worth. Instead of drifting along aimlessly or purposelessly, accomplishing goals brings fulfillment to many pursuits. Perhaps one could say that's as good as golden.

So what about that typo word "goald?" Maybe it was a meant-to-be word for that moment providing an insight I hadn't considered. Yes, accomplishing objectives is goald treasure.

During the days of December leading up to Christmas, we’ve been surrounded by the traditional holiday colors of red, green, and gold. As we are serious about this time of Advent preparation, our shining attitude is goald for others.

I like that – being goald.

[Sr. Nancy Linenkugel is a Sylvania Franciscan sister and chair of the department of Health Services Administration at Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio.]