penny bowl

You know those dishes at coffee counters, copy shops, ice cream parlors? Meant to drop a penny into, or take one out, as it is needed?

I've been seeing relationships like these penny bowls as of late. Dropping pennies in the form of time, talent and energy, into them; taking these out where needed. I drop a penny into my sisters bowl by scheduling much needed time together. Drop another by being downstairs with Patrick in the morning because he has suggested this is a comfort. Pick one up as my own in receiving an unexpected ecard from a long distance friend. Yet another in having my sister in law say she'll drive 1 1/2 hours to spend time with me when I am in California this week.

My bowl never goes empty. There are always pennies to be taken, graciously, when anyone in need reaches out. It has gone light on occasion; the needs of others leaving just a few scattered coins at the bottom. Yet I have never been left penniless-more always get dropped in to refurbish the supply. Because of this I trust in the relationships I've built and hold on to the value of them to carry more weight than any padded wallet can provide.

I hope to always have a full bowl: To offer a penny when ever and where ever it will round out someone's life. Having pennies to share and make available to those in need of this small help is what makes the daily transactions in life worthwhile and compounds them with interest into great living. Something as small as a penny; so valuable. in love. trish.