A Dime is Still A Dime

(Reposted from 2015)

The day seemed to be creeping by slower than usual and I needed a midday pick-me-up, so I started searching for coins to use at the snack machine in our break room. During my vigorous search, I came across this visibly old and injured-looking dime. Instead of adding it to my small pile, I kept tossing it back into my bag, thinking the machine would not even recognize it as a dime. I thought it was too damaged to be used. After my nonstop search for more change—but to no avail—I decided to use the damaged dime. But before I did, I took a picture of the change because I felt a bit of inspiration coming on. (Cover photo)

I made my way down the hall to the vending machine to purchase my unhealthy snack, and with great anticipation, I proceeded to put the coin into the slot. The dime went in but got stuck instantaneously. Luckily, I was able to retrieve it after a few hits and bumps to the machine. As I expected earlier, it did not recognize the dime. Not allowing the machine to deny me my snack, I tried the dime once again. This time, IT WORKED. Staring at the machine with my Twix in hand, God gave me two epiphanies at that moment.

Like the dime, many have been beaten by life, people, and circumstances in one form or another. Some have gone through experiences that most people will never see in their lifetime. Challenges can leave you feeling battered, defeated, undervalued, and worthless. Next to the shiny and flawless-looking people, you may be overlooked by the natural eye, much like I did to the dime. Others may mistakenly assume that you are not valuable because of your skewed and colorful past. NOT TRUE! Your value has not decreased one bit. A dime is still a dime, even with the evident battle wounds and scars. It may feel as though you have lost it, but your value is still in tack. You are still useful, needed, and valued just like my damaged dime.

In addition, I put the dime back in the slot because I just knew it needed another try. Never give up on someone after they have gone through so much in their life or made mistakes. We all make mistakes but yet God forgives us. Just like we all go through dark times but yet God still loves us. This is what second chances are all about. It is human nature to desire others to look past the issues and notice their value. It’s about giving others the things you need the most; grace, esteem, and admiration. Remember, even broken crayons still color.