Even The Smallest Child Can Make a Difference
“Even the smallest gesture can make a huge difference.”
-Billy Butler ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Last week, we discussed the importance of giving to others. I want to continue that conversation by sharing an encounter I had last weekend at Silver Dollar City (SDC) in Branson, Missouri. Renee, Jessica, and her husband Jason, plus Renee’s cousin, and great-niece spent three days in Branson, most of which we enjoyed at the SDC grounds. It’s a place that holds a special meaning for us, especially Renee. We vacationed in Branson during our second year of marriage and returned often when our children were young. During the holiday season, SDC hosts one of the largest light displays in the United States, and this year was no exception, with 6.5 million lights and over 1,000 decorated trees.
It was Sunday night, December 15th, our final evening at Silver Dollar City. We had spent the entire day exploring, seeing three shows, marveling at the displays, and enjoying some great food. After the second show, I separated from my family to find a handicap-accessible restroom. Once that was taken care of, I headed back to rejoin them. Along the way, I passed a pretzel stand and couldn’t resist. I bought a pretzel and a hot chocolate, both warm and perfect for the chilly evening as the sun disappeared. While waiting for my order, a little girl, no more than three years old, approached me and handed me a napkin. I was wearing an SDC sweatshirt, a newsboy cap, and sporting a two-day beard—not exactly a polished look! I thanked her for the napkin, and to my surprise, she asked if she could give me a hug. I looked around for her parents and asked if it was okay with them. She assured me it was, and she gave me a hug.
I went back to the counter to retrieve my pretzel and hot chocolate, but the little girl returned. This time, she asked if I was alone. I explained that my family was at SDC, and we had just separated for a short time. Once I got my pretzel and hot chocolate, I told her, I’d meet up with them again. She hesitated, then asked softly if she could hug me again. After her second hug, she scurried off to rejoin her parents. As I picked up my order, I shared this sweet encounter with the staff running the pretzel stand. They were so touched by her kindness that they handed me a second cup of hot chocolate, suggesting I deliver it to the little girl. I did just that, finding her family in a nearby seating area. I gave her the extra hot chocolate, exchanged smiles, and went on my way.
This experience reminded me that acts of service aren’t bound by age. I don’t know why this little girl felt compelled to approach me, perhaps she felt sorry because I was in a wheelchair, or maybe she has a loved one in a similar situation. Whatever her reason, she stood out as a shining example of kindness. She wasn’t the only person at SDC who demonstrated generosity or thoughtfulness that day, but she and her parents left a lasting impression.
It’s remarkable how small gestures can have such a profound impact. Taking a few moments to reach out, offering a kind word, visiting with someone who may feel lonely, or even giving a hug, can mean so much more than we realize. During the holiday season, when we often get caught up in our busy lives, it’s important to remember the power of connection and kindness.
I’ll never know this little girl’s name, nor will I meet her parents again. But I will never forget her. Her Christmas kindness will stay with me, a reminder of the difference we can make, no matter how small the gesture.