For more than four decades, Florence Martus waved at every ship that passed through the Port of Savannah. Day and night, travelers and sailors looked forward to seeing "The Waving Lady." Handkerchief in hand and dog alongside, legend says she waved at over 50,000 ships.
I imagine seeing her waving was like seeing the Harbor Bridge as you approach Corpus Christi. Certain places and even certain people become signs of comfort, hope and joy. Florence's wave was a meaningful travel marker for many people.
In a way, Anna was the same. Luke tells us she never left the temple. Depending on how you read the text, when Jesus was born she was 84 or 105 years old. We don't know more than a few sentences about her. But we know that for decades she personified the later words of 1 Thessalonians 5:7. She prayed and fasted night and day. That speaks to her devotion and faith. It also points to a unwavering hope and conviction.
Imagine going to the temple to worship. As it is, there's a sense of expectation and excitement. As you're traveling, you sing psalms of ascent and talk about what you'll do in the city of God. Chances are, you'll mention Anna. She's the woman everyone sees. How could you miss her? She's always there. 
And then Baby Jesus showed up. Anna had waited and hoped for redemption for so long; this was the moment. She heard the proclamation about the boy and she began to praise God and speak about him to everyone she could. Anna had been faithfully present for so long. Now, those travelers got to see Anna and hear about Jesus.
Her life reminds us that faithful presence matters.
Can people count on us to offer waves of encouragement? Are we examples of prayer, fasting, compassion and care? You never know who really needs a sign or who needs to hear just how near God is. So, be like Anna--devoted, hopeful and ready to point people to Jesus.
Stay blessed...john | 
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