Last weekend we had a fundraiser to raise money for our classes/training needed before we move overseas. We had a garage sale at our home church, where we sold the majority of the items we owned. Many people were also gracious enough to donate their items to us.
The garage sale was "Donation Only"- people just gave what they wanted for the items they were taking.
It was a very humbling experience. I didn't expect it to be so hard for me, but it may have been one of the more difficult things I've done. Many people coming in took advantage of just giving what they saw fit. And it was very difficult for me to see some of my most precious items being taken for little to nothing. It's like they didn't understand why we were selling all of our stuff, and just thought they were walking away with a steal (which they were!).
But, on the flip side of that, there were several people who came in and gave us an over abundance for a single item, or would simply donate and not take anything.
It was a lesson in humility for sure. The Lord taught me that it's not about "stuff". My earthly possessions are not what is important. We can always get more things. Being obedient to God is what is important. Serving others is what is important. There are so many other things that are more important than earthly possessions.
And while it still hurt to watch some of my most precious items being taken away by strangers, I was humbled by the generosity of a few people who gave from their hearts and showed us such kindness.
