Have you ever picked up a penny that fell on the ground? Even though pennies seem small, they can add up over time. Imagine if you saved every penny you found in a month or even a year. Otha Anders took this idea to a whole new level.
Otha, a teacher from Louisiana, started collecting pennies in the late 1960s. For him, it wasn’t about making money; he just enjoyed the act of collecting. Even when the government offered him $125 for every $100 worth of pennies he turned in, he refused. He loved his collection too much to give it up.
So why did he collect pennies? Otha explained that each penny was a chance for him to say a prayer. Whenever he found a penny—whether it was on the ground, in a store, or while pumping gas—he would stop and offer a prayer. It became a meaningful ritual for him, a way to give thanks to God.
Otha was deeply committed to his penny collection. Even his family never gave him pennies as gifts. For Otha, this collection was about more than just saving coins; it was a way to feel spiritually fulfilled and to express gratitude to God. It helped him reflect on his blessings and show thankfulness for what he had.
As the years went by, Otha’s collection grew quickly. His first goal was to fill five five-gallon jugs with pennies. He kept the pennies in large water jugs, and once he reached that goal, he felt the urge to keep collecting more.
When the time came to take the coins to the bank, Otha knew he had to do it.
When Otha finally returned to his bank, he brought fifteen five-gallon jugs filled with pennies. His bank, Origin Bank in Ruston, Louisiana, was thrilled to help him with this impressive collection. They were pleased to support his unique project and appreciated the extraordinary amount of coins he brought in.
Otha’s collection had significant financial value beyond its sentimental and spiritual meaning. However, when he discovered that his homeowner’s insurance wouldn’t cover his unusual collection, he realized it was time to move the pennies to the bank for safekeeping.
Otha’s story teaches us valuable lessons about cherishing the small things in life and finding deeper meaning in them. His dedication to collecting pennies and saying prayers brought him joy and had a profound impact on those around him. It shows us the importance of small acts of kindness and the power of gratitude.
So, the next time you see a coin on the ground, take a moment to appreciate it. Reflect on your blessings and be thankful for the little things in life. You never know how a small gesture or a few coins can make a big difference in your life.
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