Real Life Duck Tales
“What exactly is the function of a rubber duck?” Arthur Weasley asks Harry in the movie adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. One of the original purposes included checking the temperature of bath water. In recent years, a couple of my favorite YouTubers have determined, “Ducks go in cups.”
As the owner of a Jeep, another purpose is “Ducks go on Jeeps.” The practice of “ducking” began with a woman named Allison Parliament in 2020. After a difficult confrontation in a parking lot, she bought a rubber duck and placed it on another Jeep with a friendly note. What started as an act of kindness sparked a movement of joy among other Jeep owners. The trend continues worldwide, encouraging others with a sense of community and spreading goodwill, even after her death in June 2024.
Even before Allison made waves, another duck tale created inspiration. In 1992, a shipping container of rubber ducks plunged into the Pacific Ocean. These bath buddies embarked on a global escapade, making waves by landing on shores worldwide. This quirky mishap serves as a reminder to turn “accidents” into adventures. After all, everyday moments often become the most extraordinary memories.
In 2017, Disney launched a new Duck Tales series. When my husband and kids started watching several years later thanks to streaming services, I resisted getting invested in the show. I watched the original on Disney afternoons. Why did I need the remake? Then I recognized David Tennant’s voice as Scrooge McDuck. The more I paid attention, the more I discovered the remake had much more depth of story-telling and continuity. This adventuring family makes waves, includes outcasts, and beats the odds, but they do it together.
The phrase “getting your ducks in a row,” is about more than getting organized. It’s about aligning your heart and mind. Whatever your “duck” in the situation, it has a purpose. YOU have a purpose. We were not created to simply “live and let live.” The Designer planned for His creation to have community, serve each other, and share life.