Ruth surprised me the other day with a phone call and I can't stop thinking about it. She's our sweet and endearing 80 something year old neighbor who lives across the street from us.
During these cold Michigan winter months that keep many older folks inside, we don't see her as much as during the summer months when she's sitting on her porch or out working in her garden. But she does love to pull up a little chair and sit by her entryway door on bright sunny days, soaking up the warmth and pleasure of the sun.
I saw her sitting there reading a book as I got in my car to leave the house. I stopped, gave my horn a little beep to grab her attention, then gave a quick wave. She smiled, waved back and I didn't give it another thought as I went along my way.
Her phone call really took me by surprise. She called to say how much that wave meant to her - to think that I took the time to stop my car and pay attention to her just made her day. I was amazed! I was just being friendly to someone I consider a friend. Not a big deal, right? But evidently I was wrong. She told me that my wave brightened her mood every time she thought of it and she had to tell me how it meant so much to her. Her call to me was a week later! It was still in her heart even after all that time. Amazing.
It really got me thinking about the powerful impact that a simple gesture can make. It's not just the big things that help to make the world a happier place, it's the simple acts of thoughtfulness and kindness of everyday life that impact and create change. Certainly that's something we can all do and little by happy little, create a major impact.
Ruth gave me a gift with her phone call. Bless her heart for telling me because now I know and can tell you also. All those little things that we may never think of again can and do mean a lot. We may never know just how far a smile, a wave, a please and thank you, a prayer, a kind word or helping hand may travel in the hearts and spirits of those we meet every day. A week later, it may still be going strong, bringing simple joy right along with it. Amazing.
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