“A man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it.” (Ecclesiastes 2:21)

We have lived twenty-two years at our present address. We moved here from a larger house where we lived fourteen years. This is the seventh house we have lived in since we were married in 1970. Over the years we have accumulated family furniture and photographs from previous generations, Our cupboards and cabinets are filled. Paintings and prints adorn the walls. Each item has a history and reminds us of when and where we acquired them or who gave them to us. On a trip back to my home after we were married Antoinette rescued dining room china made for my grandparents (A.W.Dowell) stored in a back room. Each book has been read, enjoyed and has been bought for a purpose. The house reflects our interests, our identity and our biography. What it is and what is in it is not merely objects or possessions but part of who we are, where we have been, and how we have lived our lives. The thought of disposing of them fills us with sorrow. They would not have the same value to someone else as to us. But what is to happen to them when we are gone? That is the perennial question that faces all of us as we age. Who would want it all? How do we go about disposing our possessions if we decided to move into a retirement facility or downsize?  What will happen to them when we die? Where should the family historical items go? All these questions confront us.

We will leave instructions for our executor and those who will inherit. In our day we had to go and pick up furniture and other belongings from other family members which they left us. So they will have to do the same. We will arrange for an estate sale with a local firm. Nowadays there are online auctions to dispose of estates. In the meantime what can I do to simplify the process and reduce unnecessary items?

I can give books to the local library or used bookstore. I can take unused clothes, furniture and other items to the thrift or consignment store, Goodwill or homeless shelter. Many items can be recycled. All this takes time and effort. It will not happen unless we plan for it and decide that we are going to do it.

When I retired I gave one third of my theological library to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary library in Jacksonville, one third to the Chapel library, and brought one third home. That one third I have bequeathed to a clergy friend when I die. There is a temptation to put off doing anything so the challenge is before us.