Ah, the power of the penny. Since in Canada the production and distribution of the common penny is coming to an end, I've been doing a lot of thinking about how this will affect individuals and businesses. I know, not a particularly profound topic for meditation but hey, over the holidays I wasn't looking for anything too mentally challenging. I did come up with a few things to muse upon, however.

First of all, I've been selling my book, which the distributor priced at $13.99, for $14.00. I suppose I could have chosen $13.95 but then I'd still have to keep a float of nickels. I figure one penny more is much easier for me and eliminates the inconvenience of a pocketful of change for the buyer.

Business owners in Saskatchewan are struggling with the change in much more profound ways, though. An article titled Regina Businesses Coping with the end of the Penny, was updated on January 6, 2013 and appeared on the www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan web site. I quote: "I've dealt with money and a business for years," [one owner] said, "The penny is always what gives you the headache."

Illumination! The penny is what gives you the headache. The small, seemingly insignificant things that hold little value until they're taken away can turn out to be the most challenging to deal with; the of-little-value bits of currency that can add up to dollars when multiplied are a cause of accounting frustration. (Lest any of you wonder, though, so far it's not a problem when it comes to my book sales.)

[It is] "…the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes…" Song of Solomon 2:15.

By taking care of the little things that trip us up today, we avoid bigger problems waiting ahead; it bears watching "transactions" in our life.