background: I am not religious, but grew up Catholic and took my kids to church while they went to K-8 Catholic school. For most of the time we had a fabulous and brilliant priest who had a very full life prior to entering the priesthood. Math major, hospital admin, married/divorced, raised 4 kids solo, professor at a uni in Beruit - where he was held hostage and put in front of a firing squad that led him to his calling. Anyhow, not your typical religious minister, and he was great. He was very easy going, and just made you want to be a better person.
So the penny story. He said that most people don’t bother to pick up pennies on the ground. They aren’t worth it, but he always does. He considers them reminders of all the little gifts from god.
That stuck with me and I always pick up pennies, remember him, and give thanks for all that I have.