Lent Day 27 (Day 373 of Experiment)

Scripture: Ps 97, 99, 94; Genesis 49:29—50:14; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Mark 8:1-10


Scripture standout: Mark 8: "⁸ The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over."


His Deed/The Day: I want to leave a Coke for my next door neighbor, but I'm scared to. She's a screamer and a simmering stew of venom — a Coke would do her right — although, she's more like opening a shaken up can of Coke.  I thought about sneaking across her lawn this morning and leaving an icy cold Coke by her front door — and bolting. "No way," was my smarter self reaction. Smarter self shared disturbing visions of secret cameras and booby traps and flood lights —  I contemplate a better plan.


One emerged — using Ben and Marley as Coke mules. They could shuttle cold Cokes to their teachers and coaches! Teachers are totally worthy! A much better choice than the lady next door (surely God has something different planned for that situation). This idea came to me in those last moments of clarity before sleep sets in. Coke-muling could be my ticket to deeding success. Involving the kids would put the desired distance between me and the awkwardness of shoving a Coke in someone's hand — and perhaps teach them a lesson, perhaps win them an A! How smart was I?


I thought of ways I could use their Coke-muling skills for the rest of the week.


Ben and Marley, however, would have nothing to do with it. Not. A. Thing. After the befuddled grimace and "whatever mom" glare, they told me why they refused. "Mrs. Body only drinks water." Ben had a more practical excuse, "No thanks, it will get all shaken up in my lunch box." Both gave me the lemon-faced, "Why?" But the clincher was the reality of the whole ask — "the coaches and teachers want us to eat healthy. Cokes aren't healthy, Mom."


So there I was, stuck with an icy cold Coke to give away once again. After I dropped the Coke-less Wonders off at school, I went on a couple of errands — my little red friend right beside me. By the grace of God, there was a sign-waver out bright and early trying to encourage people to file their taxes. She was dressed in a Lady Liberty costume, dancing her a** off! Sweating. Perfect. I rolled down the window and handed her the Coke. She seemed genuinely glad to have it. 


Operation Coke Mule failed. But maybe Coke-deeding needs not involved a third-party.


Deedsclosure: One of the main messages with daily deeding is that you should "just do it" and not talk yourself out of every opportunity. But let me insert a caveat here. There is ONE question you should always ask yourself before deeding someone. One question only. "Is it safe?" For example, today I passed a great many construction workers on the side of the road who would have totally gotten a lift from an 8 a.m. Coke. But in all cases, it was difficult — unsafe — to stop, roll down the window and make the transaction. I see a group of male bums all the time hanging out at a local gas station. As much as I'd like to share Cokes with them, I'm not so sure the exchange would put me in the safest position. Consider my neighbor situation, it honestly would not be safe for me to approach her or traipse through her yard. Safety first. THEN, just do it.