It may sound silly, but I’m still grinning about a quarter I found on the sidewalk the other day. It was one of those moments that felt like a gentle nudge from above, reminding me that God is always at work in our lives, even in the smallest details.
My friend and I met up for lunch in Old Town Pasadena. We had just started walking from her office to a lunch spot when I spotted a shiny quarter in the middle of the sidewalk. Not exactly a life-changing find, but enough that I joked, “Hey, this is almost real money!” We briefly chatted about how useless coins were in this day and age, and I put the quarter in my back pocket.
Fast forward 90 minutes or so. We were walking back to her office when I saw a young mom struggling with her baby and stroller at the parking meter on the same street. As we walked by her, she gently asked, “Excuse me. Do either of you have a quarter? I’m one quarter short for this parking meter.” That’s when I felt like a superhero (or at least a pretty okay human being) as I handed over the very same quarter I’d found just an hour earlier. She must have been so confused about my excitement for having a quarter. I think I shouted at her, “I just found this on the sidewalk 90 minutes ago!!” She was grateful, and my friend and I continued on our way.
Was finding that quarter a random coincidence? Or was it something more divine? I’m okay with whichever you choose to believe, but in that moment, I found comfort in a faith that has shown me that God sees every detail in our lives. God’s not just about grand gestures or show-stopping miracles. Sometimes, it’s the smallest acts of kindness that speak volumes. I thought of the verses in Matthew where Jesus says God feeds the sparrows.
25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they? 27 And which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life’s span?”
Matthew 6:25-27, NASB
This young mom’s need was no different. In her moment of need, that final quarter to finish paying the meter was equal in value as all the previous quarters she’d fed into the meter. I wonder how the rest of her day went.
This experience wasn’t just about me being able to help someone with their parking (although that was a nice feeling). It was also about recognizing the inherent worth of every person, regardless of how big or small their needs may seem. This young mom didn’t need anything extravagant or expensive. She just needed a single quarter, and it maybe changed her day.
As I reflect on this experience, I’m reminded that having a positive impact on others’ lives takes intentionality. Whether it’s through planned actions or spontaneous moments like this one, we can choose to seek out opportunities to bless and show kindness to those around us.
So here’s the challenge: What small thing can you pay attention to today? Can you notice the quarters on the sidewalk (or at least be kind to that person who might need some spare change)? How might you intentionally seek out ways to bless others, whether it’s through big or little acts?
Remember, God’s presence and provision are woven throughout our daily lives, waiting for us to be attentive and intentional. And trust me, a quarter can go a long way in making someone’s day!