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We live in a world that has lost the art of waving. Too bad, because I hang out with someone who is bringing it back and bringing it back with style.

Gracie, my two year old knows no limits to waving. When we are in a restaurant she has a smile and a wave for everyone. Often we are just sitting there in our own world and we look over at the table next to us and they are smiling and waving our way. I am thinking what is going on, then I turn and look to Gracie and there she is just waving away. You want a smile? You want a wave? Just turn it over to Gracie and complete strangers who would have never given you a second look are waving and smiling like you’re their best friend.

Of course we all love to be friendly at church, sure we all say hello but seldom do we wave and rarely do we get a big smile, hello and a wave. At the place where Gracie worships there is one place to get a wave, wherever Gracie is. Walking down the hall there she is, sometimes she points and then waves. Most every time there is a smile associated with it and that smile gets even the hardest of hearts every time. People at any church disagree from time to time but there is no disagreement, Gracie brings a smile to all without a word. Just a smile and a wave, yes she is bringing it back.

What about those tough guys I talked about earlier. Hey everyone deserves a wave at least that is what Gracie thinks. When we walk in the park from time to time we will see some undesirable looking folks. Maybe there talking some loud ugly trash, maybe they look like they slept at the park the night before. Certainly they have few smiles for me and that’s okay because I have few smiles for them.

Gracie as is her nature knows no boundaries when it comes to the wave and these rough looking folks are no different. She will look their way and before you know it the hand is moving and the smile is showing. Then I slowly glance over to see what the response will be. Nine times out of ten it only takes a moment and slowly but surely they will give a wave, who can resist?

What can be learned from this lost art that Gracie is bringing back and the reaction it creates, here are few thoughts?

• Being friendly is contagious, it is hard to resist, if your are friendly most people sooner or later will give in and start to soften there exterior and give you a chance.
• Like a hug; a wave and a smile says I like you. It helps the receiver feel good about themselves.
• A wave takes no effort but pays off large dividends.
• Everyone deserves a wave, no matter your situation all need to know someone is paying attention to them and cares for them.

Gracie knows no enemies, just loves everyone. She smiles when she sees you and she enjoys waving at folks. No matter if they smile or not, no matter if they wave back or not, she is still throwing out those waves.

Do you want to make this world a better place? Do what Gracie does. Smile a lot, wave a lot and don’t be picky about who gets one, give one to all! Join Gracie in bringing back the wave and creating a friendly world.

Scripture: Proverbs 15:30, “A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle.” The Message

Prayer: Dear Lord, walk with us and help us to live out the joy you give us in our hearts. Help us to give smiles to all people, no matter what they look like or where they sit in life. We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.