Recently, I came across items I've not used in quite some time. I have four space heaters. I use one. The other three sit in the garage lined up like they're waiting for a bus. How wasteful! Someone could be using those.
So I made another pass through every drawer, cabinet and closet of my loft. I'd have another tag sale, but this time, it'd be different.
I posted pretty signs reading "No-Tag Tag Sale. Take What You Wish. Pay What You Can." I figured I'd clear out things I no longer used, while others could get items they need according to their ability to pay. The Haves would cover for the Have-Nots, and at day's end, if I had more space and a little jingle in my pocket, then I'd feel good about the whole thing.
I opened the door Saturday at 8 a.m. to a line of awaiting folk. At 8:11 a.m., I sat alone.
"I made a terrible mistake," I whispered in the phone to a friend as I related the events of the prior 11 minutes. Dealers swarmed like buzzards, snatching things, even things held in my hands that weren't for sale. They made stacks and stole from each another's stacks. They offered pittance for their loot -- loot which they would turn for a profit. If I accepted, they were rude. If I didn't, even ruder.
Only after a certain couple left did I realize what had happened. While they'd kept me busy, others had carried out the majority of costlier items, paying nothing. I knew them to be dealers. I scanned the parking lot. Everyone was gone.
The Haves paid nothing.
Oh, how foolish I'd been! I tried to rationalize. If a friend or person in need had asked for every bit of that sale, I'd have given it gladly. And hadn't I said if I had a little jingle in my pocket and a lighter load, I'd be satisfied?
Then why was I not satisfied?
My friend came later bearing an Altoids can relabeled "Naïve-B-Gone." I chewed three.
Soon, delightful people drifted in, visiting, buying a few trinkets and brightening the mood. Some Have-Nots came, too, and not a single one failed to offer me something in exchange.
Seems I needed a reminder about humanity.
Some folks take a gun and shoot children. Others take a gun and feed or protect their families. Some fly a flag out of respect for their heritage; others, out of hate for their fellow man. Some terrorize in the name of God while others give their lives for complete strangers also in the name of God. Some say "I love you" to get what they want. Others say it to give all they have.
Perhaps it is not the money, gun, flag, religion or words that cause the most pain or joy in this life, but rather, the condition of the human heart.
May you and yours know hearts of love, gratitude and joy this Christmas and in the years to come.
NAN Our Town on 12/17/2015