Goober Says Hey!

Since this whole blog started, in a way, because of The Andy Griffith Show, I thought it would be appropriate to take some time and comment on the passing of George Lindsey. He played the lovable mechanic, Goober, on The Andy Griffith Show from 1964 until the show ended in 1968, and then he continued the role on the spin-off series, Mayberry RFD, for three more years. George Lindsey passed away this past Sunday, and will be laid to rest this afternoon.

George 'Goober' Lindsey

When I heard the news - like so many others around the world - I was sad. Lindsey joins a long list of others from the show's cast who have gone on to the Great Beyond, and as each one leaves us, we're reminded again of how far removed our world is from the world portrayed in the sleepy town of Mayberry. I don't know if things were ever really as simple as it seemed on the show, but for folks like myself, watching The Andy Griffith Show brings back happy memories of family and friends and a time when life didn't seem so complicated or controversial. Right was right, and wrong was wrong. People cared for one another and helped one another. And some of the best times to be had were just sittin' on the porch, relaxing after a good sermon and a nice Sunday supper. Lindsey's passing is a reminder to me that, while the times are changing, one thing is the same: life is short, and we need to make the most of our lives while we're here.

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? 

Your life is like the morning fog - it’s here a little while, then it’s gone."

- James 4:14 (NLT)

Goober takes a car apart © 1965 Viacom International Inc.

One of my favorite memories of Goober is from the Season 5 episode where he takes a car apart and puts it together inside the courthouse. For those who don't remember, basically, Goober over-commits himself - he bites off more than he can chew - and I think at least at some level, part of the reason he does it is because he knows how he wants people to remember him. He wants to be remembered as a good friend, so when Andy has to go out of town and needs someone to watch the courthouse, Goober volunteers without hesitation, even though it means taking a day off from his job at the filling station. He wants to be remembered as a person who keeps his word, so even though a situation comes up where Gilly Walker's car needs to be repaired, Goober continues to insist that he will be at the courthouse as soon as possible. When it looks like Andy will have to leave Aunt Bea in charge, Goober is clearly heart-broken, and does all he can to persuade Andy to give him another chance. But Goober also wants to be remembered as a man who has a good work ethic and stands behind his work, so when Gilly continues to insist that his car is not fixed, that's when Goober ends up taking it apart piece-by-piece and re-assembling it in the courthouse. He does it so he can be true to his promise not to leave the courthouse, but can still get his work done.

Although the way it plays out is hilarious, the important thing is that he tried, and the episode makes me think. What will be my legacy when my time comes? What do I want folks to remember about me? I'm sure people will remember stories of some of the funny things I've said and done, but more than that, I hope that - like Goober - I'm remembered as a good friend. I hope I'm remembered as someone who keeps his word. I hope I'm remembered as a good worker. I also look at some of the memories others have created, and I hope to follow in their footsteps. For instance, whenever people talk about my Papaw Vanover, one of the first things many of them tell me is that he always loved my Mamaw. I want people to remember me that way - that I really love my wife. And I want people to remember my faith in God. I want that to be something I pass on to future generations. I think of Paul's words to Timothy -

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first 

in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice 

and now, I am sure, lives in you."

- 2 Timothy 1:5

- and I hope people will say to my grandchildren, "I remember the faith of your grandparents, and of your parents, and I see it now in you." What a wonderful legacy to leave!

But it all starts with the way I live today. People won't remember my faith if I don't show it in the way I live. They won't remember my love if I don't express it on a regular basis - not just through words, but through  actions (as I talked about recently). They won't remember my friendship or my honesty or my work ethic if I don't show it consistently in my life.

So what about you? What legacy do you want to leave behind? How do you want to be remembered? More importantly, what are you doing to make sure you'll be remembered that way?

Our lives may never be as simple as things were on The Andy Griffith Show, but today is always a good day to go out and make lasting memories that can be cherished for generations to come!

Rest in peace, Mr. Lindsey.

Thanks for the many laughs, the great example, and all the wonderful memories!

Tell the others I said, "Hey!"