VALUING OUR RARE COINS
Dakoda Garren, a nineteen-year-old man from Washington State, was picked up by police and charged with stealing a rare coin collection, worth over $100,000. Although authorities were certain of his guilt, he was released due to lack of evidence. Then Garren confirmed their suspicions, as he began spending the coins… at face value! It began when he paid for a movie with vintage quarters worth up to $68.00 each. Later he purchased a pizza using additional rare coins, including a Liberty quarter, valued at over $18,000! His spending spree abruptly ended when he was arrested and held on a $40,000 bond.
Besides disobeying the Biblical injunction, “Thou shalt not steal,” Garren failed to value something precious. If you’re going to steal rare coins, at least find out their price before spending them! He was clueless that he possessed something of immense worth, but refused to appreciate it.
Aren’t we’re all guilty at times? During these difficult days, our eyes have been opened to the reality that we’ve taken simple, yet profound, blessings for granted. Activities like hugging others, seeing people smile, family gatherings, eating in restaurants — even kids sitting on Santa’s lap— are temporarily cherished memories. Like rare coins used to purchase pizza, we’ve trivialized and squandered blessings such as these.
What’s the answer? One simple word: Gratitude. It’s the antidote to our troubled times. Recognizing and valuing the “rare coins” in our lives reminds us of the true wealth we possess.
Psalm 136 begins, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” The Psalmist then moves through a litany of blessings God bestows upon us, including His presence, power and provision. But even more amazing, he follows each blessing with the phrase, “His love endures forever…” Twenty-six times he repeats this mantra. Suppose there’s something in here God wants us to get? His unfailing love transcends our troubles. We can cling to this (and other) “rare coins.” God’s love will never fail us.
This year, more than ever, we need to treat Thanksgiving as a rare treasure… not just today, but each day. Gratitude is a mindset—a way of life. In the midst of our troubled times, let’s remember we’re buried in blessings. Let’s recall God’s goodness and celebrate all the rare coins God dumps in our laps each day.
Principle: During these troubled times, we need to appreciate the “rare coins” in our lives.
Promise: Gratitude is the antidote to our troubled times.
Ponder:
What rare coins in my life do I fail to appreciate?
What steps can I take today to remedy this?
Prayer: “Dear God, forgive me for trivializing the rare coins in my life. On this Thanksgiving Day and every day, fill me with a grateful heart.”
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Psalm 136.
Perceptions: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from this devotional.