NAC

It seems the older one gets the more one struggles with the "problem" of earthly possessions. The urge to build bigger and more magnificent houses, develop stronger and more protective safes and vaults, and gather more expensive and rare antiques and collectibles for personal satisfaction drives us to do many foolish things. Often our perspective on life and relationships suffer as we seek our own hoard of personal wealth and accumulation, many times to the detriment of those around us.

Scriptures teach us that the love of money is the root of evil. They also proclaim that the heart resides where we keep our treasure, whether that be on earth, in our bigger "barns", or in heavenly places, where decay does not exist and no one needs the stuff anyway (my paraphrase).

Dealing with property that supposedly increases in value, like antique or collectibles, can be a very dangerous thing-not just to the pocketbook but to the soul. Treasures, whether gold and silver or wood and glass, can turn friends into enemies and families into warring tribes. In fact, you wouldn't believe how often an estate that has "friendly" heirs becomes a battleground of wits, selfishness, and greed. Siblings once friendly and loving can become vicious and jealous, often over a small token or keepsake found in the house. Interestingly, that same object held no attraction by either party prior to death.

A fellow appraiser tells a story about visiting a family with a lot of precious antiques. These were standard, old fashioned "blue blood" antiques, things like Hitchcock chairs, New England samplers, country stoneware, even a plate that came over on the Mayflower. The matriarchal owner was divorced (another story sure to be told). She contracted lung cancer in her late 60's but by that time had no income to support herself.

Her two sons fought over whether the property should be sold. On one hand the money could possibly enhance the quality of life of the mother. On the other, it was their earned inheritance and had been passed down from generation to generation. I suppose each side had sufficient good points to make, particularly since it was for their mother. No easy question and one that some of you might be struggling with now in a similar circumstance.

In any case, the older brother prevailed. Perhaps because he was the first born or maybe because he had more at stake. (More likely it was because he could bully his brother.) Nothing was sold. No money was raised to take care of dear old mom. Eventually the mother went to live with the younger brother (probably at the end of another long argument). The furniture and accessories, all the wonderful family heirlooms, went to the older brother. He probably had a bigger house, better "eye," and more knowledgeable contacts for the future. (He probably knew a few appraisers, dealers, or auctioneers.)

In any case, time marched on. Unfortunately, as is the case many times today, the older brother developed marital problems. His marriage ended in a divorce. The result was an unpleasant surprise, not just to him, but also to his entire family. His wife wound up with most of the antiques. She, of course, moved away never to be heard of again!

This incident would be funny if it weren't so sad and so true. Here is not a case of building up bigger barns or locking doors or even hoarding money. It is a case where priorities may not have been correct. Perhaps the older brother had only the purist of motives. God only knows (and maybe his former wife). Perhaps the younger son wanted an earlier piece of the pie. (More likely he saw his potential duty and burden and wanted relief for mother so she wouldn't have to take his extra bedroom.)

The point is that we are, or should be, caring humans. We have obligations to each other, ones that are not made out of fiber, wood, or stone. Families exist not for the accumulation of earthly wealth but for each other. Personal relationships should be far more important than any portrait, highboy, vase or knick-knack, no matter who made it or which ship it traveled on!

One can appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. One can enjoy the pleasure of holding an item an ancestor once held or made. One can even collect special things that provide enjoyment and satisfaction. One can even be wise by prudent investment of goods and chattels. Let us beware, however, that items exist for our use. They are objects and objects alone. The more they separate our lives, the more hindrance they become.

For when all the dust settles, in some future day, the things of earth will either dissipate before our very eyes or grow dim as we face another creation, far more beautiful than the one we've left, one made without wood, metal, glass, or sand. Let's hope the treasures we stored in our memories, words, and deeds will find a better fate.