As I was leaving the post office last week, I hurried across the parking lot to get to my truck because it was sunny and the temperature was approaching triple digits.
As I usually do, I kept my eyes focused on the ground as I walked. Then, I saw it.
There, in all of its stunning beauty, was a shiny penny. Many might’ve left it there, but not me. After all, they’re no longer being minted and who knows when they’ll be removed from circulation. I, however, prize the penny.
When I got home, I shouted, “Honey, You’ll never guess what I found today.”
Wife Martha, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, said, “Let me guess. You found a penny.”
Stunned, I replied, “How did you know?”
“Well,” she said, “I knew you were going to the post office which has a large parking lot and you always find pennies in parking lots, so I really wasn’t guessing.”
I walked into the kitchen where she was and showed her the penny. With a great smile on my face, I said, “Isn’t this penny beautiful?”
“You do know,” she said, “it’s only a penny?”
“I know a penny is a penny. I’ve been collecting them for years.”
She’s never been impressed with my coin obsession. I have a large collection, and I can always add to it, even by the penny.
I tried to explain to her that even if it’s just a penny, collecting them is about enjoying the small wins and the simple pleasures in life, which I believe everyone can appreciate.
What I find intriguing about pennies in a parking lot is that they don’t cost anything. These tiny treasures bring me simple happiness, and I enjoy finding free and unexpected things.
Martha is one of those “buy one, get one” thrift shoppers, and she’s quite proud of how she can really get bargains. Anytime you can save money is OK with me.
One time she came home and said, “You’ll never guess what I found today. I found a quarter in the Publix parking lot.” Then she laughed most hysterically.
She came into my office, where I was working, held up that quarter, and said to me, “See, a quarter is much more than a penny.” All she talked that quarter and how it was worth 25 of my pennies.
Since the government isn’t producing pennies, maybe one day my collection may be worth a lot. Until then, I appreciate how my frugal habits, like saving pennies, reflect a wise approach to life and money.
One of my favorite Bible verses is in first Timothy and related to this.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
— 1 Timothy 6:10
Many people misunderstand the verse and use it out of context. Money isn’t the problem. The “love of money is the root of all evil.” We need money to live, but must realize there’s more in my life than money.
Dr. Snyder is a former pastor who lives with his wife Martha, in Ocala, Fla. Send email to him at jamessnyder51@ gmail.com.
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