Saturday our congregation is holding an all church garage sale to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity house we're helping to build. Yesterday a bunch of people were in the Fellowship Hall setting up tables and arranging the merchandise.
I find it intriguing what people put out for sale. I mean, who wants Tupperware containers without lids. Doesn't everybody already have a cupboard full of those already. I think Tupperware and sock manufacturers are part of conspiracy to drive people crazy and take over the world. But that's another topic.
The key to a successful garage sale is to always remember that one person's trash is another one's treasure. I suspect what I think is "junk" is just the thing someone else is looking for. Who can figure out human behavior?
I will admit that there are some pretty nice things, some which are brand new. There's one men's shirt that's marked, "wife bought, never been worn." I think I've got some like those in my closet and I know my wife has clothes I've brought for her that never had the tags taken off them.
I guess more than anything else what catching my eye is how much "stuff" we all seem to accumulate. When we left Storm Lake as I began seminary, we loaded everything we owned into a couple of pickups and a small stock trailer. Now we could fill a semi-trailer. Are we happier because of all the stuff we acquired over the years? I don't think so.
I keep thinking I need to simplify my life, but boy I sure have a hard time ridding myself of things. But you can help. Anybody need some lidless Tupperware or a couple dozen mismatched socks?
PS: Everything that doesn't sell at the sale is going to be donated to Goodwill. One way or another we're going to get rid of it.
I would love your lidless tupperware anyday but you can keep your mismatched socks! They would send even me a bit crazy :)
Posted by: Lindsey | April 27, 2006 at 04:35 PM
Amen to the donating what's left. I just had a yard sale at my parents house (3 hours away). What wasn't sold stayed there for next year's sale and then to be given away.
When we moved here, the church sent a 48ft trailer and we filled it along with my small sized truck. The house here is smaller and there's been no room. Am I happier with all this stuff...NOOOOO!!!
When we leave in June, I plan on needing a small U-haul. I'm happier already. ha ha.
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