I have always been tickled when I find a penny in a parking
lot or on the floor of the grocery store! Just that small thing can bring a
smile to my face.
This week I read a
post by Alicia Bruxvoort on giving thanks. In it, Alicia tells about a time
in her life when grumbles outweighed gratitude. To change her whiney, negative
attitude, she hid 1000 pennies in her home and each time someone found one,
they had to say something for which they were thankful. Her post has inspired
me to give thanks whenever and wherever I find a penny, whether it is shining
in the sunlight or buried in the snow.
More than that, however, is the reminder that God is present
with us at all times and in all places and in all circumstances—we just need to
keep our eyes peeled so that we don’t miss the signs—whether it is finding a
penny in the washing machine or a $50 bill blowing down the street (this has
actually happened to me—twice!!!). After all, the penny itself proclaims, “In
God We Trust”.
Dick and I have a whole roll of things to be thankful for
this week. Our daughter and our two grandsons are visiting for a week and our
son and his wife and our granddaughter arrived today for a four-day visit. It’s
been two years since we were all together. I am overcome with excitement!
Very early this morning, I took a roll of pennies—50 copper
catalysts for thanks—and hid them around the house. I will explain that when
anyone finds a penny they are to share something for which they would like to
thank God. I have a jar ready to collect them that I labeled “Pennies from
Heaven”. I can’t wait to hear about the blessings God is pouring out in the
lives of my loved ones.
God’s Word says giving thanks is the sacrifice that honors God.
(Psalm 50:23). Though some days and some
circumstances make finding a reason to give thanks as daunting as looking for a
needle in a haystack, thanks and praise not only pleases God but gives the giver
a whole new perspective.
Be encouraged!
Pam©2017 Pamela D. Williams
