Here we go again.
Apparently around here, the selling of stuff, out in the yard, is an annual event.
I’m as busy as a pup with two tails this week.
I am a herding dog extraordinaire, but I sure am overwhelmed, trying to organize so much …stuff!
Last year it was called an estate sale.
I know that was different from a common yard sale, because there was a lot of dad’s things and mom was sad sorting it all.
I watched dad’s tools, boat stuff, cowboy gear and books set out and sold, but he would sure smile to know someone is using them.
And there is still more.
I am sure certain things – wrenches and trailer hitches and light plugs – must be multiplying on their own up in the barn, because there are still more to fill boxes this year.
The boss went through the horse trailer and hauled a bunch of winter blankets out, and still left enough for every horse in the pasture – even though they don’t wear them.
There are boxes of little antique horse and chicken figurines, yards of beautiful old fabric, clothes, coats and cowboy boots.
We went through big tubs full of stuff that has been stored away for years – who remembers it and who needs it?
I at least dig up and use all the bones I store away – and I sure remember every one!
One thing I’ve learned is, in this life, hold everything loosely. Except for a couple of exceptional bones of course.
Every morning I make a few trips with mom on my four-wheeler, collecting and supervising loads of junk from the shed and barn. Then I find a shady spot or my favorite porch rug, and do the herding from there.
I am truly befuddled by the human trait to gather so much. We live simply and don’t buy much, so where did it all come from?
Now, I admit I have an overflowing toy box and several nice beds,
and if I want to gather things, well I sure know how to herd.
I guess time flies and things get stored and no one gets around to getting rid of possessions; it piles up even for us minimalists.
In a couple of days, hoards of deal-seekers will descend, and that will repeat all over the country.
People will thrill with the hunt and be happy with found treasures.
Even though I like to stick my cowdog nose in everyone’s business and greet them all, I think it will get too peoply fast and I will lay inside under my fan instead.
I’m glad others can make use of the good and useful items my people have gathered together, but it makes me think people these days just have too much.
I’m told that some of the great cowdogs that preceded me only had one old bone, and a rug.
But they had a good job, enough to eat, a warm place in winter; yup, they loved their life. They were content. They still had enough.
Perhaps that is something we all should strive for now. We can live simply, do with less, be content with fewer things and more time for life.
There surely have been times in history when there wasn’t much and everyone learned to be resourceful, make do with what they had, and to be satisfied.
I think it is good to pare down and live a bit lightly. That is being good stewards of the blessings we are given.
It sure makes the job of organizing, managing, and riding herd on stuff – a lot easier for this old cowdog, too.
I’m worn out already and the weekend is just starting!
At least no one is selling the cowdog, cats or other critters!
