“See a penny pick it up and all day long you’ll have good luck.”

This sweet saying was something my dear Grandmother would tell me whenever she saw a coin on the ground. Keep in mind this was at a time when a penny could still buy something even if it was just piece of bubble gum at the local convenience store.

In August 2007 I was out for a run with my running group when I looked down and saw a penny. I couldn’t help but run back and pick up the tarnished and hardly recognizable coin. I joked with my pals that I was going to put this in a jar and see how much money I could find. They all laughed and yet, for the year we ran together it turned into a game as to how much money I would bring in. There was never a day I didn't find at least one coin.

When the group disbanded because of busy lives and family commitments, I continued the trend that began August 24, 2007 and in 23 months since that time I have collected close to $25 dollars, all in the form of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and yes, even one half-dollar.

So many people have told me I must be one of luckiest people in the world because of the money I have found. This got me to thinking, which I do a lot of when I am running. Why is it that I found these coins when no else has? Was it really luck?

What I have discovered is I am no more fortunate in finding a penny, or any other coin for that matter, than anyone else. The difference between me and someone else is I look for them. I actually scan the road in front of me searching.

I once thought luck was something that just happens to us-it was a random act of chance or success. But, what I have discovered on this journey is, luck doesn't just happen; we actually create our own luck by looking for the opportunity in our lives to seize the moment. In other words we must create our luck by examining our lives and coming up with a plan to change our direction.

As much as it is a thrill to find a nickel, dime or quarter, I still get the biggest thrill when I see that copper penny in the road. While a penny doesn't buy anything these days a whole jar full does. And just like an ounce doesn't seem like much, put 16 ounces together and you have a pound.

So the next time you see a penny, are you going to take the time to pick it up or will you pass it up hoping you will find a bigger treasure down the road? I hope you will stop and pick it up!

Do you believe luck just happens or that we create our own luck? Do believe that the small changes we make in life can have the most profound outcome in our lives?

Photo: My jar of coins!