The estate sale.

[LaSpino3]

The estate sale.

It was a Saturday morning about 7 A.M. I was heading for breakfast at my favorite restaurant, when I glanced out of the corner of my eye and saw a sign, "Estate sale." It was to begin at 8 A.M.

Having nothing better to do, and always looking for books, I decided to go as soon as I had finished breakfast.

There were many people waiting in line, all wanting to be the first in. The family was well known in the area. Their name could be found on the logs in city hall, and on the list of large contributors, going back some 100 years.

The home was old, well kept, and quite large. Many trees were in the front yard, as were shrubs, all enclosed with a 4 ft. high white picket fence.

Those in charge of the sale welcomed us at the door, asked us to register, get a number, and to enjoy ourselves. They pointed us to the cashier, saying, "When you are finished, and wanting to purchase any items, pay for them at the register."

There was a great deal of expensive jewelry close by, diamonds, broaches, watches, etc. Beautiful china dishes, and expensive silverware were also on display. As I entered the living room area, the paintings of noted artist dotted the walls, antique furniture was set in every room, porcelain figures, vases, as were two well kept antique cars parked in the garage: lawn equipment lined the shed walls, as were many other desirable items up for sale. Hundreds of books lined the shelves, some very old, others recent.

The elderly woman that had passed away, lost her husband a few years before, both well into their eighties. They were well educated, and well to-do, as were their children. It was oblivious they had a large family, and many friends.

But now strangers were in their home; people they had never met before; strangers who were now about to buy the items their parents had always cherished. Up for sale was everything material that represented their lives.

How sad I thought; everything that was precious to this couple; everything they considered important; the memories these objects held; all about to be sold, and purchased by strangers in an estate sale.

This is usually the way it is. The children may take a few family photos, and personal things, but for the most part have decided, for whatever reason to sell all that remained. As I went through the books, I found a few well-worn Bibles; Bibles that came down from generation, to generation. This put my mind at ease, it appeared these people knew the Lord.

As I drove by the house the next morning, the estate sale sign had been replaced by a "House for Sale," sign. The house looked somehow different this morning, empty and cold. No people were waiting to go in, no lights shown through the windows, no cars in the driveway.

All this couple brought with them in death was their love, their faith, and work of love for Jesus Christ; only these things will our Saviour consider. As I thought of my life in the light of this sale, a Scripture came to mind.

Mark 8:36-37, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his own soul?"

What if I should gain all the riches, experience all the pleasures, receive all the honors, and gain all the applause of men, what profit is there if I were to be cast away by God, forfeiting my souls?

Rich, or poor we are all riding that same merry-ground of life. Each time we pass the arm that holds that golden ring, we reach out with all our might grasping and clawing for that worldly prize. And for the few who gain that golden ring, in the end, it all has to go into an estate sale.

We must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and with our whole body, soul, and spirit, reach out for that golden wedding ring given only to those who love Jesus Christ.

"Thou shalt love the LORD God with all thy heart, and with all, thy soul, and with all thy mind."

Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com

[JohnDB]

Mk 8:36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
Mk 8:37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Hummm...granted, he who dies with the most toys wins...a chance to die still the same as everyone else and still meet his Maker.


Our deeds go with us and we shall rest from our labors. Not our things.

Apparently these people had taught their children well...that our memories of good deeds last forever...and junk is still junk.

Don't get me wrong...I love a good estate sale. I am still in this world and discounted used stuff is awesome. But it's position in my life is appropriate. To me it is more important what I do with that stuff.

But I am fond of memories...and most things in my home go with a memory of some kind...like grandpa's chair. The cutting board my brother made for me. The bed I made for my son. All kinds of different things have different stories that mean nothing to anyone but me. Their existence around me is like a reminder of all those people's best qualities.

[Bitter Sweet]

That's an inspiring story.