Most of us have heard stories that picking up a penny from a walkway brings good luck, is a gift from angels, etc. This story about finding a penny is another twist to the story.
Arlene and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. Arlene was nervous about the weekend. The boss was wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well so both Arlene and her husband were delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live.
The husband employer was quite generous as a host and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely. As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, lookingdown on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had droppedand a few cigarette butts.
Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at Arlene. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found an been of some value.
A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see.. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? 'Look at it.' He said. 'Read what it says.' She read the words ' United States of America. 'No, not that. Read further.' 'One cent?' 'No, keep reading.' 'In God we Trust?' 'Yes!' 'And?' 'And if I trust in God, then the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription.
In God We trust is written on every United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray. I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God - that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me.
God is patient and pennies are plentiful! When we are out shopping and find a penny,pick it up. If we have been worrying and fretting about things we cannot change, read the words, "In God We Trust," and smile. Yes, God, I get the message.
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