Working for an auction company, we often deal with estates. Someone will call our office to inform us of the death of a family member and employ our services to come take care of the "stuff" they have left behind.

Depending on the situation our team will spend days, or even weeks, organizing the items that will sell at auction and discarding the trash. It is truly amazing what you can learn about someone by looking at their belongings.

There are some who collect antiques. These people often had a love for history. Others were horse lovers, which we surmise by the equine paraphernalia that our staff dug out of their barns. Many were particular about their belongings while others left their stuff scattered around. Whatever the case, what is left behind is very telling.

Paul, in writing one of his letters to his spiritual son, Timothy, reminded him that he knew all about Paul’s teachings and his purpose in life. When Paul died, there were many possessions to be found. He didn’t put much stock in "things" because he knew that his real home was not on earth but in heaven. He spent his life as an itinerant missionary telling others about Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

What Paul left behind were at least 13, God-inspired letters explaining spiritual matters to all who came after him. He left behind a testimony of faith that endured great suffering. He left behind encouragement that in the midst of trials God will deliver. He left behind the message of salvation from sin through the Lord Jesus Christ for all who would believe. All of what was left shows what kind of man he was and what he lived for.

Upon arriving home from today’s estate auction I looked around our house and wondered what people will find when they come to pack up my stuff. Stacks of books and china teacups caught my eye. These are two of the things they would find, but what would be the auction-goers final suppositions about my life?

What will people find out about you when you die? It will be evident – because estate auctions tell all.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.blogspot.com