There is a sadness in older parents when they look at their treasured dining room set, or the big screen TV and realize that their adult children do not want these things. You look at your 2024 SUV and recognize that your son will just sell it to help finance the purchase of a new vehicle on his part.
Parents are given the warning: Do not leave your children to clean out all your stuff.
And there is hurt feelings on the part of parents: why would you not value and enjoy my laptop the way I do? Are your really just going to hand this laptop to a eight year old?
A very common experience happened in my own family connection. The thirty-two year old niece was offered her grandmother’s and great-grandmother’s expensive china wear dinning set. She clearly stated: “And I do not want it!”
What is a sign of wealth and success to one generation is just so much useless clutter to the upcoming generation.
This Sunday we are given a wake-up call to set the priorities of our lives in order. Our first reading is the reflection of an old man who looks back on his life. All that he worked so hard to accomplish will be forgotten; just like the morning mist disappears with the first beams of sunlight.
He looks over his life and moans: “Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity.” (Ecc. 1,2)
What a downer!
If the meaning of our life is rooted in what we own or the great feats we have accomplished, it will all come crashing in the end. This is why we must go to the things that are important to us and name them for what they are: merely tools to help us live and live well.
Stand beside your truck and say: ‘You’re only a truck. You carry us around well but my grandson will sell you to upgrade his vehicle. You are only a truck!’
Vanity of vanities helps us put things in perspective. These are tools to help us live and thrive – but they are only tools. “And I am trying to come to grips with the truth that my children and my grandchildren do not want my stuff!” The things that support and make me feel good will just go out into a garage sale.
Enjoy your good furniture; be grateful for your reliable vehicle and the good food you eat every day. Be grateful for the medical care we receive in this country.
Use every thing for what it is: a tool to help us live; All my stuff is meant to enjoy life and bring happiness to others.
Your children and grandchildren do not want your stuff. But today, enjoy what you have and enjoy the blessings of God – right here, right now!
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