Day 396

Scripture: Ps 8 or 14 or 118:19-24; Acts 3:11-26; Luke 24:36b-48 


Scripture standout: Luke 24: "While the disciples were talking about how they had seen Jesus risen from the dead, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."


His Deed/The Day: Well, just like last year, I'm taking daily deeding on the road to the most gluttonous, me-centered town on the planet — New York City. RB and I are heading out in short order to explore the city, eat late lunches, stalk playgrounds for stars' children and admire all of the beautiful baubles and frocks. Door-holding and personal assistance will likely be the last few deeds in the 400-day challenge, but then again — perhaps I will pack a few ice cold Cokes in my shopping bag and see what happens.

It is a little bittersweet this time. Because in addition to seeing Ricky Martin in Evita tonight and Angela Landsbury in The Best Man on Saturday, I am leaving a tentative situation here in Jacksonville. David's stepdad, Ed, is not doing well. He is in hospice care and I'm not sure how things are looking. While proceeding with plans always seems to be the right thing in a situation where waiting is not very productive or overly welcomed, it is a little unsettling to be away.


Deedsclosure: Of course, we all know deeding is actually an opportunity to be somebody's angel. And that's just for everyday stuff and support. But when things are desperate and dark — and people are in their final stages — angels really come out of the woodwork. They do. And not that I'd ever like to wish bad things for myself, I often think how sickeningly fortunate people are (I know this sounds bad, but I'm struggling for words) to be in a pit. That is when God swoops in and mobilizes the angels and you actually SEE and FEEL and TASTE his presence in very obvious, palpable, physical ways. I often want to encourage people to write all these encounters down. At the time, the angel moments are such a relief — but how sad it is that they are soon forgotten. I am praying for Ed and Agnes to have lots of angel moments this week, and to remember each one forever.