A Learning Experience

A small boy, walking down the street one bright summer day, spotted a copper penny glistening at his feet. He picked it up and clutched it protectively. He felt a glow of pride and excitement. It was his, and it cost him nothing! From that day on, wherever he went, he walked with his head down, eyes surveying the ground for more treasure. During his lifetime, he found 302 pennies, 24 nickels, 41 dimes, 8 quarters, 3 half dollars, and one worn out paper dollar — a total of $12.82. The money had cost him nothing — except that he missed the breathless beauty of 35,127 sunsets, the colorful splendor of 327 rainbows, the brilliance of hundreds of maples nipped by the autumn frost, babies growing, white clouds floating across the crystal blue sky, birds flying, animals running, sun shining, and the smiles of passing people.1

The list could go on and on and on. The point is that too many people go through…