“Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.” James 5:2
Outdated magazine issues, yellowish heavy books, mismatched utensils, postcards from a stranger, handmade toys, kaleidoscopic buttons of all sizes, cups, mugs, empty coca-cola bottles, and whatnot are laid out in front of me and it’s surprisingly pleasing to my eye. I am stranded in a wonderland called the Antique Shop.
Well, there are two questions I ask myself whenever I’m shopping:
First, could this be something that I would give to my friends as a gift? If the answer is yes, it’s worth buying. You would not want to buy anything worthless for your friends, would you?
Second, would I take this if it’s free? If the answer is no, I don’t consider buying it. Even if it’s free some items are just not worth having.
But here I am in the museum of a former shopper – the Antique store. While hunting for treasure I could not help myself but to notice how every booth would give away certain warmth. I realized that in front of me was the life of somebody who did not need these things anymore. There is this similar feeling that overwhelms me when I visit graveyards. Tomb stones are portraying tangible memories of a man’s life; the same appears with possessions. Suddenly a thought struck me, in the course of time my accumulated possessions will be handled by antique manager one day. What will its price be?
After an hour of searching to find something of a value and usage I came to the register with only hand lotion wondering about the expiration date. While starting small talk with a clerk I noticed that my voice was soft and calm as if I had experienced catharsis. I did not spend money on things, but my soul “purchased” tenderness and serenity along the way.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:32-34