Relocating an office

I have officed at my church for fifteen years--fifteen years of books, files, pictures,  Since I am retiring, it all has to be moved.

For the last week I have been sorting through 3000 books with most of my files awaiting my scrutiny.  Since I will not be doing what I have been doing for forty-five years, I am trying to determine what books I need to hang on to, and what I can give away, what I can sell what I need to take to the local thrift shop or used book store.  Money is not the object but a small return on a large investment would be an unexpected blessing.

A garage sale looms on the horizon--hopefully, people will come and feast on the books I have displayed by subject--and take them home and receive as much enjoyment from them as I did.

Filing is a whole other issue.  Shredding personal files is a labor-intensive task--thank God for willing secretaries who have carried the load.  I decided that most of my files have no real value to me so the garbage can is being stretched to its capacity.  I have hardly made a dent.  The task still awaits me.  I need to determine what old study materials, marriage seminar notes, sermon outlines, etc. are worth preserving.  This requires a discipline to cull though boxes and I am not sure I am up for that.

The pictures on the wall will remain, apart from one my grandmother painted when she was eighty years old and another purchased for me as an antique.  The issue here is where will I hang these since we are down-sizing from 2200 to 1200 square feet.  Another yet to be faced,

Relocating an office is a physical task but it also has an emotional piece as well.  As I left today with my arms loaded with boxes of books and looked at my office for the last time, I felt some sadness.  It has been a warm wonderful place to study, counsel, and share with others.