Goodbye House, Hello Home
I suppose it’s the cycle of life.
Three years ago my sweet elderly neighbor left the house she’d lived in for over forty years to move into a local assisted living center.
Her house, empty and lifeless since.
Four months ago, her son pulled in the driveway and gently helped his mother out of the car. She slowly made her way in the house she’d not seen for years. They lingered awhile before leaving. I knew what had just happened.
My neighbor was doing a final walk-through of her house. Saying goodbye to a place that had housed a multitude of memories over the years. As she passed her tiny porch, I couldn’t help but wonder if she was recalling the many visits she’d enjoyed with her church friends. They would rock and chat for hours. (I couldn’t help but wonder how many times their sentences ended with “bless her heart.”)
Her house, empty and lifeless since.
Recently, an older couple the family had hired pulled in and quickly began unloading card tables for an estate sale. Last Friday, they knocked on my door and invited me over for a walk-through before the big sale on Saturday.
It was a bit strange going over for a sale instead of a visit but the couple kept reminding me that my neighbor was hoping for success as the proceeds would benefit her greatly.
Thankfully for Brian and our house, I’ve become very picky as to what I purchase at estate sales. I walked past a vintage chenille blanket for $15.00 (okay, I glanced over), along with two rooms filled with vintage glassware — but a few things did catch my eye. My favorite find? A Parker fountain pen still in the box for $5.00. Yes! It has a straight nib, Tina Parker. 🙂
As I walked through the little home crowded with goods I recalled something Charles Stanley said years ago. Basically, if we’re still alive to witness the Rapture, those left behind will be rummaging through believer’s houses since they’ll be vacant. His question: What will they find?
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where
thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also. Math. 6: 19, 21
