Become New with John Ortberg 19. Looking for Pennies - with Nancy Beach
Sep 2, 2021
Nancy Beach, Christian ministry leader who teaches spiritual formation and wonder. She reflects on Annie Dillard’s call to notice creation and shares the “pennies” story as a practice of humble attentiveness. Short habits like walks, breathing, and simple meditation are highlighted. A prayer invites people to look up, see beauty in ordinary places, and treasure life.
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Annie Dillard's Pennies Test
- Annie Dillard hid pennies as a child to see who would stoop and pick them up as a test of noticing wonder.
- Nancy Beach recounts Dillard's story and used it by scattering pennies in a church lobby to reveal how many people miss small acts of beauty.
Beauty Right Sizes Our Worries
- Noticing small natural details reorients anxiety by reminding us of God's sustained creativity and perspective beyond our problems.
- Nancy describes studying a colorful maple leaf and feeling God say, I've been doing this since the beginning of time, which right-sized her stress.
The Moon I Missed
- Nancy missed a striking full moon one night and felt frustrated seeing pictures the next day, illustrating how easy it is to miss pennies.
- She uses that story to remind listeners to intentionally look up and not let moments pass unnoticed.
