A Small Thing

 Proverbs 30:24 "There be four things which are little upon the earth but they are exceeding wise .........ants.....conies.....locusts.....spiders"

And I want to add.....pennies!

For the past two weeks, I have been helping to organize my daughter's household for a move to a different location.  I have sorted through a lot  of what appears to be useless stuff (a move always uncovers that!). One of the things that shows up under beds and in forgotten corners is pennies!  Generally a    sizable quantity of them! Sometimes they  are hidden in a pile of discarded small coins that someone didn't want to put in a purse or pocket. But often they are alone and dusty, having been there for an extended time! Probably they had been noticed more than once, but not valued, so left, because a penny is considered of pretty well no value.

I have been guilty of trashing them but have changed that philosophy pretty much. A penny is really valuable!

It is still the most widely used currency, but because so many people do discard it, 2/3 of all produced US mint money is the penny.

But, they are also considered a nuisance because they are circulated; thus they cannot be used in any vending machine and few toll booths accept pennies. Rarely can they be used in bulk.  That's the negative side.

However, charitable organizations have always depended on the copper penny to fund millions of dollars for needy causes. And many times, it has been suggested that the government discontinue the penny, but the general conclusion is that that it keeps inflation in check!!!!

So I still save pennies for the most part. On the rare occasion, when I am cleaning, and I toss one into the trash, I feel guilty. I always remember that penny has value. One quote says it all: "Watch the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves". 

This lesson seems to be a small one in financial management, but we know it really isn't.  Learning the difference between what's needed and wanted and focusing on the important issues out there are life changing. This philosophy will bring not only financial peace, but peace in other areas of life as well. 

How important is a dinner with family interaction? What is a walk holding hands with your spouse worth? How much time does it take to give a hug or a compliment? What is the eternal worth of family devotions? Who can calculate the multiplied benefits of calling your parents or siblings once a week? How much time is lost in your week if you choose Bible Study or Prayer Meeting over other social engagements or relaxing on the sofa? What does it cost you to turn off your phone and plug into nature and God? 

The seemingly little things matter.  The pennies of life count up. They turn into valuable dollars that can be invested for a lifetime of benefits!!!