Submitted by Pastor Brad Dush, Fairfax Methodist Church

Let’s start this week with a thought-provoking question: Can one small act of kindness, when repeated regularly, make a lasting impact? I’m not talking about just being kind, but about the power of consistently repeating a seemingly small and insignificant act of kindness. This idea came to mind as my wife and I were exploring the charming town of Savannah, Georgia. We were staying in a small basement flat, just a stone’s throw from the most historic parts of town and Forsyth Park. The city’s rich history and beauty quickly captivated us, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit.

Since it was our first time visiting, we did our best to do the touristy thing. We went on several guided tours. Of course, for a city founded in 1733, the history did not disappoint. Several notable historical figures graced the city with their presence over the years. However, from my perspective, the most interesting story I heard from every tour guide was about the “Waving Girl of Savannah.” While the stories didn’t all quite line up, most of the information shared by each guide was basically the same. The one single fact they shared was that when the “Waving Girl” passed away, her funeral was attended by thousands of people. All of the guides noted her funeral was the largest the city of Savannah had ever hosted. I tried to corroborate their tale about the funeral size and could not validate the claim. I found several sources that noted that over 3,000 people had attended her 70th birthday party.

So what did the “Waving Girl” do? She waved. Her family was connected to one of the lighthouses in Savannah. She would stand on the shore and wave to passing ships by day with a hand towel and at night with a lantern. One simple act of kindness repeated every day, according to legend, for over 40 years. Most sources say people didn’t know her by name, but by her actions, hence the moniker the “Waving Girl.” Her legend persists to this day and she passed away over 80 years ago. There was a statue erected in her honor on the riverfront, and it is nearly impossible to visit the city without hearing her story. All she did was repeat a simple act of kindness every day to people she didn’t know. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:32, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Many of us set our sights on some big goal or task. The story of the “Waving Girl” of Savannah teaches me one small act of kindness repeated often enough can make a difference. Don’t set out today trying to change the world; rather, reach out to someone with a simple act of kindness and then repeat it to everyone who crosses your path. In the long run, it will make more of a difference than we might ever know.