Treasures or Greed?

When Ben Brooks’s 40th birthday arrived, his wife surprised him with a party, playfully decorating with an “over the hill” theme. He already had plans in place for retirement. This milestone birthday, however, motivated him to set up a will. To ensure their future inheritance properly, he wanted to give his loved ones a gift now. 

Due to her intense arthritic pain and extended illness, Ben’s mother’s transition to heaven was a relief for her loved ones. Ben had prayed fervently for her peaceful death. His gratitude tempered his grief. He mourned the healthy Elaine, but that condition was decades ago.  

Months later, the reaction to his mother’s death changed abruptly in ways he did not predict.

Being the closest and oldest sibling, Ben took on the task of clearing and distributing his mother’s possessions. Ben easily decided to donate the barely used clothing and accessories to a trusted charity. 

Ben found unexpected possessions in many overstuffed boxes. There were shelves and closets full of valuable antiques and rare heirlooms, as well as broken, worthless items not even second-hand stores would accept.  

There were totes of carefully wrapped Depression glass dinnerware sets, full cabinets of blue enamelware bowls, pans and dozens of coffeepots on display. Two sturdy drawers held a dozen glass and ceramic rolling pins, along with hundreds of vintage swizzle drink sticks wrapped in yellowed paper towels. Crocks of all sizes sat on the slightly damp, carpeted floor, next to the vintage school desk and wicker baby buggy. Elaine had bought, saved, and stored collections of vintage bottles, jewelry, purses, beer memorabilia and old linens. Some had handwritten notes attached—“To my daughter with love, Mom”, “For my grandson, love and prayers” etc. 

All resulted from a lifetime finding treasures at flea markets and rummage sales. Ben remembered being slightly embarrassed as mom finagled for lower prices. This was her hobby, enjoying the hunt and trophies of good deals.  

As Ben opened each box, confusion and frustration grew. Despite knowing his questions would be unheard, Ben spoke aloud, lifting his head.

“Mom! Did you think all this would be a gift to your family? How could you collect so much? Did you realize what a big job this would be to go through all your stuff? I keep finding more! Why didn’t you sell some or give it away while you were alive? Were you embarrassed to admit to us you had collected so much, mom? What was the motivation behind what appeared to be greed?”

Then he remembered her childhood stories of life during the depression, three families living in one little house. Only one adult had a job.                                                                                                       

“Was the lack of possessions in her past one reason she collected so many?“ Ben’s face and attitude softened. 

“I’d like to get rid of all this quickly. Perhaps just give it away, but to whom? Or should I only sell the valuable things? Yet how do I learn what things are worth? Should I hire an auctioneer? Are they all trustworthy? I don’t even know how many items we have,” Ben thought. “I’m sure Mom believed her family would happily receive some of her possessions and become rich selling the rest. But it’s not working out that way. Her grandchildren are minimalists and the value of antiques has gone way down. We aren’t honoring her wishes, but is there another choice?“ 

Fortunately, there was no urgency to the sorting, cleaning and getting things out of the house. As he realized this, Ben asked other family members for help. He learned to take breaks by not allowing or false guilt dictate his efforts and schedule. 

Having come to terms with his mother’s addiction to possessions, Ben wrote a poem.

Greed steals time from genuine treasure,

Time with loved ones, worship, and grace.

It becomes an anxious passion

Pushing us on an endless race.

The deceiver thrills to see people,

Attracted to greed’s web and caught.

Ignoring pain that coveting causes,

Forgetting lessons contentment has taught.

His prayers, writings and reliance on God’s Word, blessed Ben to conclude: “Thanks to Jesus, mom is in heaven now, where possessions have no value. Eternal love and grace have no need for other treasure.”