A Week's Experiences (Installment one)

It has been an interesting week, and I will share some of the experiences and lessons I’ve learned.

My wife found a newspaper advertisement for a set of nesting tables for sale and she arranged for us to see them.  An elderly couple in a small apartment welcomed us, and it was obvious they were extremely crowded.  Belongings filled their space beyond capacity, much like in a second hand store where nothing is organized.  We were told that this was only part of what all that had to be moved and that the heavier objects had already gone.  Nevertheless, there were still two love seats and several bookshelves, besides books and numerous artifacts.  One was as an elephant tusk carved with five elephants and a tiger.  The couple admitted being very tired.

Glances into the bedroom, washroom, small storage room and the balcony, proved that they had allowed their belongings to rule their lives.  Their task had been left so long that they could barely cope.  If they had regularly condensed their belongings it would have made moving so much easier.  If only they had done it before becoming too old and weary or before having to leave it for someone else!  This was an important lesson for us although we had recently reduced our own belongings before moving to BC from Manitoba.  Apparently, there are various degrees of hoarding.  Some cannot bear to part with familiar objects, while others who are grossly affected, will part with nothing.  A comfortable home can become a difficult place in which to maneuver and be a source of anguish.

Our real treasures on earth are our family and friends, and all the considerate things we can do for others.  Jesus advised us to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also