Soda Case

Soda

My first story deals with the spiritual principles of abundance and detachment.

Back in Honolulu, I used to go down to a large city beach park near Waikiki to watch the sunsets. My routine included stopping by the nearby 7-Eleven to get a Super Big Gulp of Mountain Dew. So, I set out at 4:30pm and started driving. The rush-hour traffic was heavy and, listening to the radio, I got distracted. I ended up missing the turn to the 7-Eleven. If I headed back, it would have taken another 15 minutes, and by that time, I would have missed the sunset. I thought - well, maybe I can buy a soda from the park concession stand, or at least the park had drinking fountains. I didn't give it another thought and headed toward the park.

As I drove into the park, I kept my eyes out for a prime spot - and there it was! I pulled in, turned off the engine, and got out. Across the street, where the park pathway and beach were, a group of young surfers were hanging around and talking. I walked toward them.

I forgot to mention that earlier in the day while driving around, I was waiting at a stop light. Next to me pulled up a bright green decorated Checker Cab-style car with 2 big buckets in the backseat filled with ice - and soda. It was a promotion for a new soda. I looked at my window and shouted to the driver, "Hey, cool car!" He waved back, the light changed to green, and we went our separate ways.

Meanwhile, back at the park, I was crossing the road and stopped to start talking with the kids. Sitting on a bench among them was an older guy, in his 40s, who started up an enjoyable conversation with me. Turns out that he was homeless, but happy anyway.

As I looked toward my car, what did I spot - but the bright green soda promotion car pull up! The driver jumped out, greeted all of us enthusiastically, and started handing out ice-cold sodas! I got two.

My new