The Surprising Power of Small Gestures

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40

Once, I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen or spoken to in several months. I was heading into the grocery store just as he was coming out, and we stopped to catch up. He was a very successful businessman, worlds apart from me economically as a public school teacher. Yet when we got coffee or had dinner with our wives, that difference melted away, revealing a friendship as close as brothers. I was feeling fine that day, but the weight of a job that consumed my life always lingered, like a heavy coat I couldn’t shrug off. As we caught up, he must have sensed I needed some encouragement because Just as our conversation was winding down, he placed a hand on my shoulder.

I don’t remember what he said that day, but that simple gesture has never left me. It was as if he saw past the surface and offered a kind of quiet support that lingers, a reminder of the impact small acts of kindness can have.

That moment stayed with me and began to change how I noticed the world around me. It’s funny how something as small as a hand on your shoulder can alter your perspective, making you more attuned to the unnoticed efforts of others—even in the most unexpected places, like a cruise ship.

One of the underrated pleasures of being at sea is the delightfully simple luxury of room service. In the early morning stillness, with the sea hushed and the ship wrapped in sleep, the gentle knock of room service signals the start of another day on the water. The tray holds coffee with fresh cream, its aroma drifting through the quiet cabin—a simple pleasure before a day spent enjoying the ocean breeze and gazing at the deep blue waters. Those moments remind me that contentment doesn’t come from having more but from savoring what’s before you.

From serene mornings to moments of unexpected humor, life at sea never failed to surprise us. These moments can take many forms. Sometimes they are deeply touching, and other times, they bring a sense of playful fun. Like the time we were having dinner in the formal dining room and realized our table had no pepper—just two identical salt shakers, both empty. When the head waiter calmly informed us they were only there for decoration, we laughed nearly until tears formed, our seriousness dissolving in the sheer absurdity. Moments like that turn an ordinary dinner into a cherished memory.

Then there are the quiet, thoughtful moments: the slow painting of the sky just above the horizon, a prelude to the majestic appearance of the sun peeking above the water in the stillness of early morning. It’s in these moments that we find a sense of peace, contentment, and connection to something greater than ourselves. Amidst these quiet reflections, I couldn’t help but think about the people who made such moments possible.

One morning, Becky and I passed a young woman mopping the floors in a large public space while the rest of the ship was still asleep. She was there every day, working in lonely silence. Each day a carbon copy of the 30 before it. Yet, in that endless repetition, a genuine smile or a warm greeting can feel like a rare break in the monotony, a small moment of recognition that lifts the soul. Her quiet labor, often unseen, keeps the ship looking pristine, a silent contribution to the beauty all around us.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18

This newfound mindfulness also extended to others who contributed to our cruise experience in significant ways. While tips for waiters and cabin stewards are automatically added to your account, the room service waiters and many of the people who keep the ship clean aren’t included in these gratuities. Not everyone thinks to tip them, but Becky and I try to offer a little extra, hoping to brighten their day in a small way. It’s a simple gesture, but it serves as a reminder of the grace God pours out on us daily, grace that we’re invited to share in simple, meaningful ways.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

Generosity, I’ve realized, isn’t always about grand gestures. It’s about paying attention to the quiet acts that sustain us and choosing to show gratitude for them. That awareness has a way of shifting your perspective, reminding you that no kindness, however modest, is ever wasted. This lesson often unfolds in the most unexpected places—like a sunrise on the open sea or a smile exchanged in a crowded buffet. And perhaps, in these overlooked moments, we find that God’s generosity is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, inviting us to share it.

And so, as I sip my coffee and watch the sunrise, I’m reminded again of how blessed we are. These moments of peace, simplicity, and connection are quiet gifts that often go unnoticed yet brimming with God’s grace. And perhaps that’s the beauty of divine orchestration: the way God uses even the smallest gestures—like a hand on a shoulder or a smile exchanged on a ship—to remind us of His love woven through our everyday lives. It’s a gentle nudge to pay it forward, to let our own acts of kindness echo in the lives of others, just as my friend’s simple gesture continues to echo in mine. Sometimes, it’s in these smallest of acts, the quietest of gestures, where God’s presence speaks the loudest.

Take a moment today to pause and notice the beauty in the ordinary. It could be the smile of someone passing by, the sound of laughter drifting from another room, or the quiet satisfaction of completing a simple task. Or perhaps it’s an opportunity to show kindness: a genuine compliment, a helping hand, or a moment of sincere gratitude. These are whispers of God’s grace, inviting us to both appreciate life and share love in simple, meaningful ways.