Garage sale-ing

Are you a bargain shopper? I love a good bargain. Garage sales, auctions, secondhand shops...love'em. You just never know what kind of really cool item you might uncover. It's like a treasure hunt.

One of the funnest things I purchased at an auction was a vintage advertising wire egg basket. I didn't intend to buy it--I actually was waving at a friend who walked into the gym where the auction was being held--but when the auctioneer called my number as the winner, I cheerfully took the basket home. It's been holding potatoes and onions in my kitchen for more than fifteen years.

The funniest purchase was three enamel buckets. I knew my hubby would want those buckets, so I wiggled my way to the front of the crowd and showed my number to the auctioneer again and again, battling a persistent person at the rear who gave me quite a run. When the amount went beyond my limit (because I'm smart enough to always set a limit for myself) I quit, and the auctioneer called out the winning number: my husband's. I never took him to an auction again.

Last weekend I turned the tables and instead of going to a garage sale, I hosted one. Our recent move gave us a chance to clean out closets, cupboards, and the basement. Amazing how much stuff we hadn't really used in years. So we decided it was time to let it go.

Now, I used to hold a garage sale every year when my girls were little, but it has been at least a dozen years since the last one. Oh. My. Word. I had forgotten how much WORK they are. Sorting and setting everything out (and reminiscing...); pricing the items (and debating with myself...too much? too little?); trying to hold off the customers until the doors actually opened at the advertised time of 8 AM (and finally just getting out of the way).

All through the morning I answered questions, haggled, tallied amounts, made change, smiled, thanked people for coming... When it ended (around 1 PM instead of the advertised ending time of noon...there are always stragglers), I boxed up the remainders for transport to Goodwill. Then I took a three-hour nap.

As much work as it turned out to be, I'm glad I did it. Bagfuls of children's novels disappeared in the arms of smiling children. The sofas went to two young couples just starting out--they were both thrilled to discover the built-in recliners. My old battered rocker was snatched up by a couple who'd recently become grandparents for the first time; they laughed when I told them the rocker was well practiced at putting babies to sleep. A family with four children cheered when I accepted their offer for the Ping-Pong table. The mattress set and bed frame was cheerfully purchased by a woman whose neighbor's home was destroyed in a fire--she planned to give it to the family's daughter, who'd been sleeping on the floor in their new apartment. (And yes, I lowered the price significantly for her.) So many treasures landing in new hands...

God speaks of treasure in His Word, but His treasures aren't things; His treasures are us. In Exodus 19, verse 5, God advises, "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession." He was speaking to the children of Israel, but I believe the same sentiment applies to all who believe on His name. I also believe we'll never be put out in a "garage sale" with a bargain price sticker on our forehead. To Him, we're priceless. We're His eternally. If that doesn't fill you with peace and contentment, I don't know what will. :o)

God bless you muchly as you journey with Him!~Kim

P.S. ~ Let me wish a belated Happy Veterans Day to all of the men and women (including my daddy, my husband Don, my daughter Kaitlyn, and my nephew Nathan) who have served or now serve in our armed forces. You are appreciated. You are prayed for. God bless you.