The Consignment Sale

Twice a year, in October and April, I go to a consignment sale.
I have been going to this sale for about thirty years.
I have only missed once.
I look forward to it with great anticipation.

The sale supports a local playschool.
The playschool is a non-profit, parent-cooperative preschool.
It emphasizes learning through child-centered play and the beauty and value of nature.
Though I go to the sale, I do not personally know any families who attend there.

By the sheer number of the people who attend the sale, they are unfamiliar as well.
The Sale has become tradition in both fall and spring.
I will work my calendar around opening day.
I will schedule things in the afternoon so I don’t have to miss the excitement.

People line up outside on the fairgrounds until the doors open at 9:30 am.
People talk to each other in line
They often share items on their wish list they hope to find.
They talk about how many years they have been coming to the sale.

The sale opened last week.
My daughter planned to go as well.
Her two daughters were in school while her two sons were at home with Pop-Pop.
My husband stayed with the boys so she and I could go.

We drove separately; my daughter arrived first.
She sent a text that I read at a stop sign.
I was about ten minutes away.
I knew that I would arrive a bit after 9:30 so the large crowd of people would be inside.

I got there and searched for a parking spot.
I had to park on the grass, since many of the spaces had been taken.
I have a rolling tote that my husband bought for me just for this purpose.
I use that wonderful rolling tote two times a year.

I remember the days when I had multiple tote bags.
I remember when I used to carry boxes for the books I found.
The rolling tote is perfect because I am not lifting the weight in my arms.
I am simply pulling the tote along, filled with the things I found.

I got to the side door, which is how they let everyone inside.
There was a small line at the side door.
There was a woman wearing a playschool apron standing guard at the door.
She didn’t look at any of us; she just stood there holding the door back with her body.

I could see the shoppers inside.
I knew my daughter was already shopping.
I wanted to go right back to the books before they got picked over.
The woman turned to all of us and made her apologies.

I’m sorry you have to wait, she said, but they are only allowing me to let a few in at a time.
They want everyone to be able to shop safely, she continued.
She heard a voice from inside telling her that three people could come in.
She pointed to three people who walked inside.

The initial surge of people were already looking at books, housewares, toys, and furniture.
The rest of us, who came after 9:30, were right there at the door.
However, we couldn’t go inside.
We could see everything, but we were not a part of it.

At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Matthew 25:1-13)

Can you imagine if you are not ready when the Lord comes back?
Can you imagine how it feels knowing that you cannot get inside the banquet hall?
The door is shut.
You realize what you are missing, but it’s too late.

I could see the shoppers with their boxes and bags.
I could see the smiles on their faces as they found an item they were looking for.
I was outside looking in.
There was a guard at the door, preventing us from entering.

Not being able to go inside a consignment sale is one thing.
Not being able to be a part of the Wedding Supper of the Lamb is another.
One is merely an inconvenience.
The other is an eternal destiny.

I want to be ready when Jesus comes back.
I want the Door to be opened so I can walk inside.
I want Him to recognize me and tell me to enter.
I long to hear Him say, I know you!

I waited until the lady at the door told five more people to enter.
I was the sixth.
Oh the sinking feeling…
My daughter is already in there, I said, and it’s only me.

Go ahead, the woman said, as she ushered me inside.

Which side of the door you’re on really matters.

 

2 responses to “The Consignment Sale”

1. Dear Gina oh how Frank and I look forward to Whispers on Tuesday. Yesterday my sister came for a visit and we didn’t get to your writing. We enjoy your application of everyday events to biblical verses. Be encouraged dear Gina that Whispers is edifying to our Lord.
   ❤️Nancy
   P.S. Steer clear of those walnuts!

   Reply

   • Nancy, I am humbled that you and Frank look forward to a new Whisper every Tuesday. God gets all the glory for any application of Biblical Truth to every day events. Thank you for your encouragement. It matters.
     Gina

     Reply