I have a love/hate relationship with Yard Sales. I hate getting everything set up, organized, and priced. Especially the latter because you know people are just going to try and buy your precious possessions way cheaper than you think they are worth. Sigh.
But, I LOVE the moolah that comes with the parting of these possessions.
This weekend Steven and I had a Two Day Yard Sale. And let me just say, we will never have a one dayer (I know, not a word) again! We got rid of so much stuff. We had accumulated so many things to sell due to my recent epiphany that I don't need to hold on to things like a Limited Too Jean Jacket that is so out of style, too small, and I will never wear again- OH, just wait, it gets worse.
With this realization and especially seeing it all laid out in front of me, I realized, I HAVE A PROBLEM!
For some strange reason, I can't let things go. Seriously, I may be teetering on the verge of a hoarder. And I have Sweet Baby Kate to thank for this realization. It was when I really started "Nesting" that I realized... "OMG WHY DO I STILL HAVE THIS STUFF?!?!"
Not only is my problem with holding on to things and buying random items comical- I mean at the time the green and red Christmas streamers seemed like a good purchase and they were in Target's dollar section, it is kind of eye-opening. As my husband exclaims, "What were you going to do with Christmas Streamers?" My only defense, "ummm...I thought we could throw a Christmas Party?!" Really Hailey, Really?!?! Steven and I did have some fun going through items and laughing about some of the stuff, but honestly, it made me realize, "I don't NEED anything."
I love to shop. It seems like there is always something I want. I can ALWAYS, I mean ALWAYS find something to buy at Hobby Lobby, Target, or TJ Maxx. My weaknesses.
Well, I've decided this has to change. I look around my house and I think, I love my house. It is exactly how I want it, BUT I normally can find something I want to change. And I'm not even going to talk about my closet. For the past two Sundays, I've worn dresses I've had for probably 2 years and never worn before- Why?!?! I have so many clothes I don't even know what I have- Sad!
So here's my challenge for myself... I am not going to buy anything I don't need, and I mean really need for the next 2 months. We are going on vacation this summer- a vacation we REALLY need. I'm not even kidding. And with that said, I'm going to go ahead and say it- I don't need a new bathing suit. I have plenty. So Victoria's Secret don't even send me an email telling me of your incredible sale on bikinis :)
It's real simple. I want to honor God with my finances. I want to honor my husband for his hard work and how much I appreciate the opportunity I have to be a stay at home mommy. I want to be content with what I have and remember daily how truly blessed I am. Not blessed because of all the stuff I have, but blessed because I have abundant life in Jesus Christ and he is truly all we need anyways. I don't remember hearing the people living in tents in Africa complaining about how sick they were of their home decor. Ouch, that one really hurts! Seriously, they were the most joyful people I have ever met and they had maybe 4 to 5 possessions total AND they lived in tents because their homes had been burned.
Jesus did say that he "Came that everyone would have life, and have it to the fullest". So may I be content in You and You alone Lord. And realize that all this other "stuff" is just stuff. And one day is won't really matter if I had the most beautifully decorated home or kept up with the latest fashion trends. Cause really all we need is You Lord. I feel a song coming on :)
Just for your enjoyment I leave you with some of the more comical items that this recovering hoarder finally let go :)
Really Hailey, Limited Too? Maybe I was saving if for Kate?!? haha
It looked cool in my room in H.S...The treasure box beside it I won one year in VBS.
Don't worry this is from a Dance Recital- Never wore in public. I promise :)
My neighbor asked Steven, "How do ya'll have so many things for your yard sales?"
Steven: "My Wife"
Please notice the Timblerlands in the left side of the pic.
Def. got them 7th grade Christmas.
I guess I thought I may need them just in cause we ever went for a hike?!?!
Most stuff was sold and the rest is going to The Caring Place. I can say it feels good to have things "cleaned out" and to release the junk, yes I said it, I was for some reason holding on to. And I am so glad I don't have to worry about Niecy Nash showing up at my front door anytime soon :)
I just started making a pile today and must confess I found somethings from HS and college too. Crazy!!
ReplyDeleteTIMBERLANDS!! In middle school, there was no greater measure of a kid's coolness than their Timberlands. Sadly, I never figured that out.
ReplyDeleteGood post! It's always humbling to see the stuff you never use and how others can be blessed by it.
Looks like lil' Miss Bojangles is guarding your clothes in the last picture! =) Maybe she also shared a deep appreciation for the Limited Too jacket.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I've got to have a yard sale too! I have so many clothes that I will never wear or fit into again. And I must admit...I still have my Timberlands. I don't wear them now but they are in good shape!
ReplyDelete