The farmer's estate auction

It was our interest in a service truck that took me to a farmer's estate auction yesterday. By mid morning a middle aged man came by the vehicle we were standing next to. With his hands in his hair then raised up to the air in frustration, he yells out, "I can't --- believe this!"

He aimlessly wondered the rows of tractor trucks, trailers and heavy farming equipment in disbelief. He had lost his father and his family was selling 3 generations worth of hard work, blood, sweat & tears. 

The man walked over to me and began talking about his family's brief history. He assured my father-in-law & I that he personally helped maintain the vehicles, schooled us on their age & conditions. 

Saddened myself over his grief all I could say was "I'm sorry for your loss". His whole demeanor changed. His frustration was still there but a bit lightened it seemed as he looked amazed a stranger would care. 

See I understand his pain to a degree. I've lost my Dad too. This man had no choice as to the decisions made in his Father's estate. I didn't either. It's grievous to see what things boil down to after someone passes away. 

A legacy was sold and not much more than monetary gain would be left. Memories remain and always will be. Truth is, we are all born into this world naked and will take nothing with us when we our time on earth is through. 

Is it any wonder why Jesus said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19-21

We didn't get the service truck but a reminded lesson I regained. Things are just things, it's people that matter. I have no idea if the man who passed knew Christ but when our final breath is drawn that is the only thing that counts. 

After all, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36