Yesterday was surreal.

My siblings and I auctioned off all of my parent’s belongings.   As I watched nice items (that I know were expensive to purchase) handed off for just a few dollars, I thought of how lots were cast for Jesus’ clothes.

Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  And they divided up His clothes by casting lots.

A lady who was in my Mom’s Sunday School class told me that my Mom wouldn’t like the fact that her china and treasures were out for the world to see.  She was probably right.   Even more than that, she and Daddy would have been appalled at the prices that were paid.

My sister and I did laugh a little at the difference in pricing between Daddy’s collection and Mama’s.   Our lives were practically threatened (ha) as children if we dared to touch some of Mama’s figurines and they walked away for a couple of dollars each.   Daddy’s treasures were more valuable and collectible.   But that is what is great about an auction, people get some real deals.  My sister (who attends auctions) told me that people will buy ANYTHING and she was right!   I guess one man’s trash truly is another man’s treasure.

blueballmasonjar

On a side note:  THANK YOU to my friend Tamara who chased down the person who purchased some antique blue Ball mason jars and bought them back for my birthday.   I can’t wait to wash them and add them to my decor!   And THANK YOU to my husband who purchased my grandmother’s cedar chest for me.  I have no clue where to put it, but I’m glad to have it.

Ah, you Pinterest folks would have had a fit.  I bet we had 10 old suitcases (which is amazing because they never took us anywhere – ha) and NOBODY purchased them!   They were a big NO SALE.  How many of you have seen all of the tables and cool things people have been making out of these pieces?  I wonder if the auction folks threw them away after I left.   Here are a few creative ideas if you have some old suitcases:

suitecaseidea1

suitcaseidea2

suitcaseidea3

suitcaseidea4

Emotionally, I really was fine during the auction.  It lasted 9 hours!  There were just a couple of moments when I felt myself push down the tears, but overall I was just tired and ready for it to end.  Yes, in 9 hours everything from two precious lives was dispersed for other families to enjoy.   Family pieces that once belonged to my grandparents and great aunts rode away in different directions from my parent’s property.   It was too strange to wrap my mind around really.   Sigh.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jesus told us where to place our hearts — not on the things that could be destroyed but on heavenly treasures.

That truth really did help me grasp that these treasures and trinkets were just objects.   Even any money that could have been made off of the pieces — just money.    Nothing monetary can truly hold my attention.   Yes, I am grateful for the family pieces that were passed down to me and a few of the pieces that I was able to retrieve yesterday.  I still smile each time I wind my grandfather clock because I hear my Mama telling me how to do it correctly.  Ha.

I would much rather still have my parents than their items, but I would NEVER want to go through those last years again.

So here I sit.

Another chapter closing.

The next step is cleaning out their home, purchasing it, and starting the rental process.

(Photo credit:  Suitcase 1)
(Photo credit:  Suitcase 2)
(Photo credit: Suitcase 3)
(Photo credit: Suitcase 4)