Since the earliest days of human history, our neighbors have shaped our lives in profound ways. It’s difficult to find true purpose if we can’t first create a sense of peace with the people around us.
Having lived most of my life in a big city, I typically stuck to a limited social circle and did not seek out getting to know many of my neighbors. When I moved to Cassville, I was completely taken by surprise by small town cordiality. I was used to walking down the street while avoiding eye contact. The intention was not to be noticed.
When exposed to the impromptu conversational openness prevalent in Cassville, I marveled at how a five-word interaction with a cashier could so easily turn into a 5 minute exchange on pretty much any topic that arose. Even more startling was that the people in line behind me didn’t seem to particularly mind the delay. An example of the prevalent geniality I have observed is the common practice of the Car Wave Hello.
Out on country roads, it seems practically a given to lift a few fingers off the steering wheel as a friendly greeting to whoever passes by. My best friend grew up in Cassville. He waves at everyone we encounter like a 3 month old puppy, including anyone walking and at all other drivers whether he knows them personally or not.
At first, I found myself feeling most unnatural in my response to the car wave hello. I have a tendency not to notice being waved at. If I do notice, I am still confused. Do I know this person? Do they recognize me from somewhere? Is there something wrong with the outside of my car?
There are fascinating different styles of car wave greetings.
The Pointed Finger Lift: A subtle gesture where the driver lifts up their index finger from the steering wheel to acknowledge the other car.
The Multi-Finger Lift: This gesture varies, with the driver raising two, three, or even four fingers off the wheel. The reason for the number of fingers remains a mystery to me, but it adds a personal touch.
The Confident Full Wave: When the driver boldly takes a hand off the wheel to give a full wave.
The Side-Hand Salute: One hand stays on the wheel, while the other lifts up from the passenger side, showing a full palm and fingers, almost like a casual salute.
The Friendly Waver: This driver not only lifts a hand but also adds an animated cheerful sway, giving the impression they’re happy to see you and maybe they think they know you.
The Quick Nod: Sometimes, instead of a wave, you get a simple head nod.
The Swipe: When the driver reacts too late, you might see a quick, swiping hand motion as they try to recover from missing the timing on their wave.
The Non-Wave: Occasionally, there’s no wave, no nod, nothing at all.
If you let go of expecting a wave back, the gesture takes on a different meaning. It’s no longer about trading waves, it becomes an act done purely for the joy of it. It’s about putting out the kind of positive energy you want to release regardless of how anyone else chooses to respond.
A simple greeting, like a “hello” or even just a smile, can have a profound impact. It’s easy to underestimate how much these small acts can ripple through someone’s day, especially when they’re feeling down or struggling. When you greet someone with warmth, you’re acknowledging their presence and making them feel seen. That small moment of connection can lift their spirits, turning a gloomy day into something brighter.
The positive energy might not stop with them. It often gets passed along. A person who is uplifted by a kind greeting might be inspired to pay it forward, offering a smile or kind word to someone else. It’s like a chain reaction, where one small act of kindness multiplies, spreading through each interaction like ripples in a pond.
Hebrews 13:2 says “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it,” reminding us that our simple, everyday gestures of kindness can have a far greater impact than we realize. By extending love and friendliness to others, we may be touching lives in ways we can’t even see.
After everything we’ve been through with our neighbors by either direct or indirect experiences, it’s time to build a sense of closer community. Give a real, heartfelt ‘hello’ to everyone you see. Building better ties with those around us can bring so much good into our lives including less stress, better health, and in general a happier community.
Janet Mills is the director of Cassville Pantry, located at 800 W. 10th St. in Cassville. She may be reached at cassvillepantry@ gmail.com or 417-846 7871.
