Have you ever stopped to pick up a coin that dropped on the floor? Those little coins might not seem like much, but they could add up over time. What if you could collect every dime you found within a month? Maybe for a whole year? However, Otha Anders is a man who took it to a whole new level.
Otha was a teacher in Louisiana who enjoyed an odd hobby. It was in the later half of the 1960s that he began collecting pennies. For him, the most important thing was to just enjoy the process; wealth or fame were irrelevant. The government offered Otha $125 for every $100 worth of pennies turned in, but Otha turned it down. He cherished owning his collection.
But why pennies? According to Otha, every cent serves as a prompt to offer up a prayer. If he saw someone praying, whether they were on the ground, in a shop, or pumping gas, he would pause and offer up a prayer. It became a very significant ritual for him, a way to give thanks to God.
Otha is unwaveringly dedicated to his collection. He was never given pennies as gifts, not even by his own relatives. He wanted God and the spiritual fulfillment this practice offered. It became a way for him to reflect on his blessings and give thanks for what he had.
Over time, Otha’s collection grew significantly. His first task was to collect pennies in five five-gallon containers. He stored the cash in massive water jugs. However, as soon as he achieved that goal, the urge to keep going and gather more overwhelmed him. He knew when it was time to take the coins to the bank.
Upon Otha’s subsequent return to his bank, fifteen five-gallon jugs filled with pennies were brought in. The figure was remarkable, and Otha’s bank, Origin Bank in Ruston, Louisiana, was more than pleased 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 worth a substantial sum of money. However, he found himself in a challenging predicament when he discovered that his unique collection was not covered by his homeowner’s insurance. That’s when he knew it was time to move the coins to the bank, a place of safety.
Otha’s story can teach us a lot about finding meaning in the little things in life and appreciating them. His passion to collecting pennies and reciting prayers not only brought him joy, but it also had a significant impact on those around him. It is proof of the power of appreciation and the significance of small acts in our lives.
So the next time you see a coin on the ground, stop for a second. Count your blessings and express gratitude for life’s little pleasures for a moment. You never know how a small gesture or a small sum of money might make a big difference in your life.
