The Misplaced Quarter

ALDI is one of the most cost-effective grocery chains in the U.S., consistently ranking among the cheapest options for a standard basket of goods. To save money, ALDI requires customers to insert a quarter into the shopping cart rack to release a cart.  You get your quarter back when you return the grocery cart.

 Well, I was on my way into ALDI when I dropped my quarter. 

• It rolled under a car

• It landed in the middle of a puddle

• It was covered and out of view

 I tried to reach the quarter, but it was too far underneath the car.

It was only twenty-five cents.

It wasn't worth the effort to reach under the bumper and get my pants and hands dirty.

 “Now, what am I going to do?  I need the quarter for the shopping cart.”

 How often do we make other people in our lives feel just like that misplaced quarter?

• Overlooked

• Left behind

• Feeling dirty, lost, or worthless

 It can be a family member, friend, co-worker, or customer who becomes the misplaced quarter.  Over time, we can completely forget about the person.  We stop calling them, texting them, or even praying for them.  They become worthless to us.

 But a quarter in the mud is worth exactly the same as a shiny quarter from the bank. It has never lost its value.  Your family member, friend, and customer are of great value, even precious, if we spend the effort to nurture and rebuild our relationships.

 This Friday, pick someone up. Remind them of their worth.

• Share stories

• Dream together

• Laugh hard and deep

 The misplaced quarter; the overlooked person needs you and is waiting for you right now.

 Until Next Friday,

 Rob