Message summary: Today let is consider two of the lesser considered pleasantries of life; waving and smiling!

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"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).

Several times each day my farmer neighbor rides by with his wife on a large three-wheeled motorcycle from his home to his farm and back. He is not the stereotypical farmer! Yesterday as he and his wife drove by we waved at each other prompting a consideration today of waving.

Waving is a nonverbal communication gesture that consists of the movement of the hand and/or entire arm that people commonly use to greet each other. The wave gesture is an essential element of human language. I doubt if any of us were taught to wave but we rather learned from example at an early age.

During my period of recuperation I enjoy sitting on our front porch looking out across our country lane to the farm fields. Sitting in our rocking chairs we often wave at people driving by which is one of the many characteristics of country life we enjoy.

Waving is not found in the Bible (as best as I've been able to determine) but some have likened waving to a virtual pat on the back or the exchange of a hug.

Waving and smiling are two of the blessings of humanity that can lift up our emotions. We rejoice in that first smile from an infant and all through life we appreciate smiling people. We even tend to impose the expression on animals such as a dolphin or a baby doll sheep, which gives the appearance of a smile. We can't prove it but we think our dogs smile with their wagging tail!

Consider an individual you personally know who may be known for a hearty wave or a great smile. These expressions bringing joy to a dismal setting.

Consider these words as you receive waves and smiles today and as you share yours with others. These forms of nonverbal communication are diminishing with so many tending to their cell phones whether they're walking on a sidewalk, buried in their phones during a work break or in the lunch room, grocery line, etc.

It can be a gloomy world with so much distressing news and for those going through hard times. What a blessing we can be to one another with a friendly wave and smile!

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13