Do you ever stop to pick up a penny from the ground? While it may seem like a trivial act, those small coins can actually add up over time. Just imagine if you collected all the pennies you found in just a month. How about in a year? Well, there’s a man named Otha Anders who took this small act to the next level and turned it into something truly remarkable.
Otha’s Unique Hobby
Otha, a teacher from Louisiana, developed a unique hobby in the late 1960s. He started collecting pennies. Now, you might be wondering, why pennies? For Otha, it wasn’t about the money or building wealth. He simply enjoyed the process and the meaningful ritual it brought to his life.
A Reminder to be Grateful
Each penny Otha found served as a reminder to offer a prayer. Whether he stumbled upon one while pumping gas, walking in a store, or simply on the ground, he would stop and say a prayer. It became a way for him to express gratitude and connect with God. The act of finding these pennies took on a deeper meaning for him.
Unwavering Dedication
Otha’s dedication to his collection was unwavering. He refused to accept pennies as gifts, even from his own family. He cherished the inner satisfaction that both he and God derived from this practice. Collecting pennies became a way for him to reflect on his blessings and be thankful for what he had.
The Growing Collection
Over the years, Otha’s collection grew exponentially. He stored the pennies in large water jugs, initially aiming to fill five five-gallon jugs. However, once he achieved that goal, the urge to keep going and collecting more overwhelmed him. It was time to take the coins to the bank.
A Whopping Collection
When Otha finally visited his bank, he brought with him an astonishing 15 five-gallon jugs filled to the brim with pennies. The quantity was truly astounding, and Otha’s bank, the Origin Bank in Ruston, Louisiana, was more than willing to help him. They valued his business and were supportive of his unique endeavor.
Lessons Learned
Besides the sentimental and spiritual significance of his penny collection, Otha’s coins held substantial financial value. However, he faced a dilemma when he realized that his homeowner’s insurance policy didn’t cover his unique collection. This led him to move the coins to a secure location: the bank.
Otha’s story teaches us important lessons about appreciation and finding significance in the little things. His dedication to collecting pennies and offering prayers not only brought him joy but also left a lasting impact on those around him. It’s a testament to the power of gratitude and the profound effect that small acts can have on our lives.
So, the next time you spot a penny on the ground, take a moment to pause. Appreciate the little things and count your blessings. You never know how one small act or coin can make a big difference in your life.
