Have you ever stopped to pick up a dropped penny? Even though those small pennies might not seem like much, they could accumulate over time. In a month, what if you could collect every dime you found? Maybe for a year? However, Otha Anders is a man who took it to a new level.
Otha was a teacher from Louisiana who had a peculiar hobby. In the later half of the 1960s, he began collecting pennies. He didn’t care about wealth or fame; he just wanted to enjoy the process. The government offered to pay $125 for every $100 worth of coins turned in, but Otha declined. He cherished his collection.
But why pennies? Every penny, according to Otha, serves as a reminder to say a prayer. Whether he was on the ground, in a shop, or pumping gas, he would pause and say a prayer anytime he saw one. For him, it became a very significant ritual that served as a way to thank God.
Otha’s dedication to his collection is unwavering. He never received pennies as a present, not even from his own family. He yearned for both God and the spiritual fulfillment that this practice offered. It became a way for him to reflect on his blessings and show appreciation for what he had. Over time, Otha’s collection grew quickly. His first objective was to collect pennies and fill five five-gallon jugs.
He stored the cash in huge water jugs. However, as soon as he achieved that goal, he was overcome by the urge to keep going and accumulating more. He knew when it was time to take the coins to the bank.
In the end, Otha returned to his bank with fifteen five-gallon jugs filled with pennies. The figure was remarkable, and Otha’s bank, Origin Bank in Ruston, Louisiana, was more than willing to help. They assisted him with his unique concept and truly valued his business.
In addition to its sentimental and spiritual significance, Otha’s penny collection was highly valuable financially. He was in a tough spot, though, when he discovered that his peculiar collection was not covered by his homeowner’s insurance. At that point, he realized it was time to transfer the coins to the bank, a safe haven.
Otha’s story may teach us important lessons about seeking meaning and enjoying life’s little pleasures. His passion to collecting pennies and saying prayers not only delighted him but also had a significant impact on those around him. It is proof of the power of gratitude and the significance of small acts in our lives.
So, the next time you see a penny on the ground, pause for a second. Be thankful for the little things in life and take a time to consider your blessings. A small action or a few money can have a big impact on your life; you never know.
