My two cents.

 Today I received two pennies with my change, from purchasing sugar for my coffee(gotta have it) and snacks for my children at the local Walgreens. The trip to the store is not the important aspect to the story, you see it's the two pennies.

 One, the first is dated 1964. What a time to have been born! The introduction of the Ford Mustang, Vietnam, Jeopardy(the game show) hits television, The Beatles dominate the pop charts, The Rolling Stones release their first album, James Bond is the Man in "From Russia with Love" and Malcolm X leaves the nation of Islam. What a crazy and exciting time in history! I know there was so much more happening then that I left out, but I think you get the point. What this penny must have seen and paid for. Yet, it's not worse for the wear, sure it shows signs of age but still has a brightness and clarity to it's appearance, all words are legible, especially the words "In God We Trust."

 The second is from 1994 and upon first glance of it's face it keeps up a good appearance. Defined lines and detail are present. You can see the waves of Lincoln's hair and the lucidity of his face. His beard is clear and defined… still something is a miss. Deep gouges in his coat are present and hard scratches on his collar can be easily seen. Though his face is clear, his eye is tarnished green and stained from time. The words I know by Faith are there, are illegible and covered by grime.

 I flipped both pennies over and revealed even more about their histories. It's amazing what we carry on our backs, the same is true for the life of a penny. Lincoln 64' is crisp and clean and aside from a few bits if tarnish in the word "United" I would have thought this penny was only but a few years old. Lincoln 94' is destroyed, cuts, scratches and deep, deep gouges are seen. Not one word is legible. Crust and grime is everywhere like a green veil hiding it's worth beneath.

 This is where I began to have a revelation, God dropped in, put a few things in my head and now I'd like to share them with you. Though both pennies are 30 years apart in age, they cary the same worth and value. However, their lives have changed them and made them severely different, in appearance.

 I would like to start with Lincoln 64'. This penny has aged gracefully. Every detail is clear, every word is legible and Lincoln's face is not distorted or covered in any way. This penny is 47 years of age and there is no question it has lived a full and good life thus far.

 Lincoln 94'… I wish I could say the same. But the evidence is clear. Years of neglect and abuse are obvious. Sure he puts up a good front, his hair is ok and his beard is clean, but he is dull and lacks vision. The deep scars and gouges are like cuts and holes to his very soul. Wounds that look like they will never heal. The unclear and covered words make a statement to me of, lacking faith and trust in God, covered by the filth and pain of the world. This penny is only 17 years old, but bears the pain of one much, much older. I identify with this penny in many ways… but there is good news.

 Like Lincoln 94' I too aged quickly before my years and felt like the scars I bore could never heal. I covered my heart over with the filth and pain of the world, my eyes were blind to the glory and I lacked vision in so many aspects of my life. It wasn't until I placed my faith in God that the layers of grime began to fall away, the scars started to heal and I began to feel clean and whole again. It's that cleansing, revealing, showing of love and restoration of Faith that bring Grace into your soul! Threw baptism I felt Faith renewed and I had the ability to shine!

 Well, the same came true for Lincoln 94'. I just gave him a bath in the sink. Threw pressing in and dedication I was able to smooth out the scars and gouges in his coat. From the washing of the water I was able to remove the grime and stains that covered his eyes. After much care and cleansing all words were evident, especially "In God We Trust". This penny went on a great journey and though we only just met, I know after today neither of us will ever be the same. This lil' guy will always be in my heart. 

 How about letting God do the same for you? 

That's my "Two Cents".
.Peace.