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On Tuesday evening, I was “ducked”. Not like in the childhood game “Duck, Duck, Goose”—although that would have been fun, too—but I was “Jeep-ducked” (“duck, duck, Jeep!). Heard of it? Sound silly? Oh yes, but so much fun!
Last week, I went to get my hair cut, and when I returned to the parking lot there it was; I couldn’t believe my eyes. A tiny rubber duck sat on the driver’s handle of my Jeep. It was perched there, balanced on the narrow lever, wearing a silly pumpkin/Halloween-themed outfit (see above). I was delighted, surprised, and claimed proudly (yes, out loud!), “I’ve been ducked!” Then, I looked around to see who had gifted the yellow friend—some kind person who blessed me with a bit of joy—or if I could see any other Jeep around. No signs in sight. It was my very first time, so the joy bubbled up in me; I felt like a little kid. I’d always wanted to be “ducked”.
This Jeep-ducking game started in 2020 in Canada and was meant to be a gesture and symbol of community and camaraderie—a bit of kindness during the pandemic to help others, who were otherwise isolated, feel less alone. Fellow Jeep owners gifted rubber ducks to other Jeep owners. People collected them and regifted them, even displayed them on their dash. The Jeep-duck trend grew into a worldwide phenomenon—bringing joy and a bit of fun, dare I say a bit of “love,” to a complete stranger.
Before I had a Jeep, I didn’t even know this game of sorts existed. Of course, I’d see Jeeps with ducks on their dashboards, lined up in a row. So many different types of ducks, in all colors and themes. Ducks with hats, ducks wearing costumes, ducks with different expressions. I just thought Jeep-people liked rubber duckies. Go figure. When I bought my Jeep, I learned about the special club I now belonged to: Jeep loving and duck-silly people (with a good sense of humor). Initially, I didn’t know the proper etiquette for how to be a part of this duck-club; I thought of ordering a bunch of ducks on Amazon to try to give them out. I searched online and found some Bible-themed ducks (and one rubber duck nativity collection). Interesting.
But I didn’t know how to actually do it or how to start. I was a bit self-conscious—so many questions. When is it appropriate to put a duck on someone’s car, and where on the car do you put it? On top, on the roof, on the side mirror, or bumper? If the person doesn’t already have a duck, will they even know what it means? Or will they just throw it away? So I waited. I waited to see if someone would “duck” me. And they did! Now, I guess I can order my own bag full of ducks and start handing them out. Maybe I’ll even add a note (I heard that is done, too).
Years ago, when I used to drink daily coffee from Starbucks—I’m on to tea now—I participated in the KTIS Christian radio station’s “Drive-thru Difference Fridays” tradition of paying for the customer behind you (and maybe leaving a note on a napkin like: “Jesus loves you!”). When the car behind reached the window, they didn’t have to grab for their wallet. It was an easy and satisfying way to spread God’s love, do something for someone else, brighten their day; maybe temporarily limit their financial burden. Giving to someone you never met, you didn’t know, and would never receive a thank you from, is a wonderful experience. In the end, you are left with a feeling that picks you up and reminds you that you don’t just live in your own bubble of daily needs and wants.
How many times have you stopped your day to pay it forward, show the love of God by surprising someone with a bit of anonymous kindness? Have you ever experienced this gift yourself? Maybe a random moment of joy or surprise in an otherwise difficult week; maybe God’s love coming to you from a complete stranger’s kind word or generous action? Or are you still waiting, like I was, to be “ducked” first? Maybe you are missing all the wonderful signs of God’s love given to you because you are too involved in thinking about what you are missing in life to see that God is already working and uplifting you through others in tiny ways (even in mysterious and sometimes very silly ways).
Ask yourself why you are holding back on putting ducks on the door handles of strangers, or paying for a stranger’s coffee, or simply sharing the message of Jesus on a post-it on someone’s desk. We don’t need to own a Jeep, or be part of a special club, or wait until someone else shares God’s love and joy with us. We can take the lead, get out of our comfort zones, and try something new. We can help build community in the tiniest ways. We don’t need some grand gestures. We can be the ones who carry the bag of duckies and pass them out freely with a prayer and blessing. We can wrap “Jesus Loves You” messages around the candy we give out on Halloween. We can put a supportive note on someone’s desk or door. God wants us to be the bearers of good news in Jesus; to be the examples of God’s joy and love; to be generous to strangers; and to be reminders that God’s people are never alone.
I’m not saying you have to buy some rubber ducks and place them on top of others’ cars—maybe try your own creative version of this. Do something to spontaneously brighten someone’s day and share some love. You never know when a little gesture like that can affect a person’s day, their outlook on life, their belief in hope, and maybe soften their heart to Jesus. I do hope someday you get some joyful surprise by a stranger that causes you to giggle and shout, “I’ve been ‘ducked,’ by God’s love!” Until then, maybe try to be the instigator of that joy for others.
Amen.
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