I had a conversation with a friend a while back about picking up pennies. She said she didn’t because it was only a penny. She conceded that, if found, she would definitely pick up a dollar bill. That led to a conversation about receiving.

I asked her if there were other times when she didn’t recognize small gifts.

When we ignore the little gifts, it does not bode well for greater generosity in the future.

Pick it up. Give thanks. Keep going.

Would you not accept a dandelion from a child? A kiss from a toddler? A sentimental card from a friend? Of course not.

Pick up the penny. Take the flower. Open the card. Give thanks. Keep going.

The more you say yes to the little things, the more you lay the groundwork for other kinds of abundance to find you. If you dance with the guy with the skinny legs, the more inclined others will be to ask you to dance. If you reject him, well then, why would others risk approaching you?

Pick up the penny. Take the flower. Dance. Give thanks. Keep going.

If you’ve never found a penny, it’s possible you haven’t noticed. Offerings come in all different sizes from all different sources, and they enrich your life, whether it is a penny, an offer to dance, or a winning lottery ticket.

Pick up the penny.  Take the flower. Dance. Say yes. Give thanks. Keep going.

Take a moment to reflect on the smaller gifts that come your way daily. A penny, a smile, an offer to assist. Consider also how you can offer small gifts yourself. Maybe you will pick up the penny and give it to a child.

Mary