Connecting Rather Than Consuming

One of my favorite things to do in the spring and summer is to go to Estate Sales. It's exciting to research the sale descriptions, anticipate the treasures and head out in the morning on a quest for loot. But when I arrive at a sale, that's when the challenge for me really begins.

I was modeled as a child to push to the front of the line, angle to get my way and get the upper hand in every situation. (I say 'modeled' because my mom adhered to the ways of Jesus, but somehow they didn't always make it to everyday experience.) Back to the sale!

In the past, I hate to admit it, (but confession is good for the soul) I've taken advantage of situations at these sales because of the lack of knowledge on the part of the seller. Not that this is always bad, they can't know everything, but I've not always been as honest as I could have been. (I was wrong, I admit it!) A couple of experiences have helped me to see that getting is not always the best thing at these sales, and really, the human interaction is the most important. (I'm serious!)

I was rummaging through a box once at a sale and found important letters, rings, a wallet and a Korean War metal. Visions of filthy lucre floated through my brain for an instant, but I brought the box over and showed it to the obviously distraught seller. "I found these over in a corner," I said to him, "they might be important." He looked at me in disbelief and agreed, thanking me for bringing the box to his attention as he took it from me and stored it away.

Yesterday it happened again. I could see the seller was very overwhelmed. The owner had had a stroke and was in a care home now, and this guy obviously didn't seem up for the task at hand. As I went to the garage, I found another box with watches, rings, wallets, a stamp collection, etc., and brought it over to him. Clueless that it was even in the garage, he gave me an incredulous look and gave it to his sister to put away. I spent almost two hours there, (there was a lot of stuff) and talked with him and his sister, found some good things and really enjoyed the morning. Somehow pushing to the front of the line and getting the upper hand didn't seem so important now. The seller thanked me when I left and his faced looked clearer somehow. I hope I can remember it the next time I'm anxiously waiting in line for the next sale doors to open.