**Note** This post is being written in a effort to avoid working on the talk I'm supposed to give in sacrament meeting tomorrow, as well as the sunday school lesson I haven't even looked at. And, am I supposed to buy my husband something too? Do I need to make him breakfast in bed? I better go to the store...
This week our "neighborhood" is having a Garage Sale. A very ambitious neighbor looking for some extra cash organized the whole sha-bang. I have, on principle, sworn off ever participating in one. I don't mind buying something from a garage sale. But I really, really despise the idea of putting one on.
I remember when I was about 10 my mother spent no less than TWO MONTHS "organizing" hers. She didn't sleep the entire night before because she was up pricing. Our entire family life was on hold for the precious $200 she would garner for her efforts. Then, when the hoopla was done, she got to spend another day hauling it 45 minutes away to the Salvation Army. Capitalism at its finest.
So when my perky neighbor invited me to participate, my first response was NO WAY. Then the (very weak) frugal voice in the back of my head said, "You do have a basement full of stuff you don't need. Why not earn a little cash? It could be Christmas money!" etc., etc., etc. Then the reality that I would not be home the entire week prior to prepare sank in, so with a twinge of self inflicted guilt, I opted out.
I. am. so. glad.
For 3 days now, I have watched my neighbors sit on lawn chairs in their driveways from 8 AM to 4 PM. It has been hot and humid, but that's my observation as I get in and out of my air conditioned car. From speaking with them, they have each averaged about $100. Now, $100 is $100. But this is where the principal of "opportunity cost" applies.
I personally cannot see CHARGING my neighbors children to buy JUNK that I will then have to throw out. And maybe I've been a Mormon for too long, but it seems to me, if I've got a bin full of perfectly nice baby clothes I'll never use again, I'd just as soon GIVE them to neighbor with a new baby, rather than ask her to BUY them from me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not too proud to buy garage sale clothes. I have, and do. I'm also not opposed to making money. But I really believe in the whole "Karma" thing when it comes to giving things away.
I'd much rather just pack up my excess and send it out the door with a prayer that it will be a blessing to whomever is able to buy it. Just think of all the handicapped veterans that will be employed sorting and tagging it for me! Just think of the thrill of the thrift shop patron at the bargain! Have I lost out on $100, possibly, much more? Yes.
But I have spent the last 3 days doing much more satisfying things.
I just love the American way.
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4 comments:
Tiffany, that was such a GREAT blog! Garage sales are so much work, and you get so little in return. And giving is so fulfilling, and often takes much less time than the day of the garage sale (not always. I've had to work awfully hard sometimes to give something away that is too good to trash, but nobody wants). The "bread upon the waters" thing must be right -- Jesus said it!
Besides, every week I do my mission in the same building as D.I. I get to go to the greatest garage sale in the world, twice a week! WAHOO! That's where I get most of my gifts for other people! (bikes, baby swings, jumpy horses, games and puzzles, etc.)
Thanks Tiffany for an inspiring (and guilt relieving) post! Our neighborhood garage sale begins tomorrow and I was wrangling with the idea of participating for the last month. Even today I was thinking, "hmmm I wonder if I can still 'throw something together'?" PHew. With company in town for the next two weeks, it would have been a nightmare to pull off. I can now un-particpate gladly because of your insight... and feel GREAT about donating it ALL. Thank you!
happy to help!
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