You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
    the span of my years is as nothing before you.
   Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure.
    “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
    in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
without knowing whose it will finally be.
  “But now, Lord, what do I look for?
    My hope is in you.
Psalm 39:5-7

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Years ago, I was listening to a pastor on Moody Radio who recommended a prayer for those seeking money. “Lord, give me not so much money that it interferes with my following you wholeheartedly.”

Well, I have prayed that prayer, and it has been answered time and time again—at least according to the world’s standards. Yes, my lifelong income was modest. Lean in some years. Always enough to keep me aware of God’s provision. 

However, during retirement the fruit of living on a budget for decades paid off. I was able to spend on what I enjoyed—giving and collecting. I bought collectibles like stamps, coins, metals, tokens, documents, maps, and books. All were educational and worthwhile for a long time until…

Until I reached the age where death would statistically be not too far away.  When energy gives way to fatigue and attending to one’s body preoccupies much time. I knew my heirs did not really want my heap of collectibles. Nor would they know how to sell it.

I began to fret over selling things, donating items, and gifting special items. I wanted those who got them to appreciate their non-monetary value: a 1790s grammar book for young women or a 17th century map of the Caribbean, for example. The joy of collecting became the dread of leaving things behind. And I no longer had the energy to sell them. 

When I heard about plans for Willow’s Online Campus, I felt a strong desire to support it financially. Suddenly, I was motivated and took some items to a national stamp show. I decided to give the proceeds to the Willow Online campus. I planned to sell things for whatever I could get—maybe 30% below value, I figured.

While there, I happened to sit at the booth of a national auction house. The owner liked my collection and eagerly offered to auction the majority of it.  He asked me what I thought its value was. “You will be pleasantly surprised,” he said. I was amazed. 

The auctions are still in progress, but I am no longer anxious about getting a fair price. To boot, I’m no longer fretting about how I will liquidate the rest of my collection. It’s the Lord’s collection now, and by faith, I know it will be liquidated for a purpose. 

Next Steps

Did you know Willow has identified different types of givers? What kind of giver are you? Check out Next Steps in Generosity and see if you are a Compassionate Giver, a Consistent Giver, a Christ-first Giver, or a Catalyst Giver.