A gift beyond price or The UGGs.

A Gift Beyond Price or the UGGs.

Nurturing five young children is anything, but easy. Our family had a routine   dental appointment. My husband and I decided to walk by the beach first; the dental surgery was not far from the pier. It all ended up in a big rush. Parking in tiny street spaces was a challenge. My husband was repeating as a consolation: 'When they were building towns in England, they didn't have cars in mind.'

 'Yes, the world is changing.' The children were already miles ahead when it came down to the computers.  I've prayed that they will be just as hungry for the spiritual knowledge.

The minute we came in, an elated receptionist enquired for our surname. There was a generous selection of magazines on the display. My four-month-old baby, who just recovered from a nasty chest infection, seemed content. The older children were already absorbed into an imaginative make up game.

'What bliss,' I thought, landing in a chair. I knew why God intended for believers 'to be fruitful and multiply', they will long for heavens rest more! My eldest, Laura, was immersed in the world of fashion. She found it entertaining to look at the price tags. Maths is her favourite subject.

Soon Laura was tagging onto my sleeve.

'Look, mum', she pointing at a plain blouse with a tag of 180 pounds. 'Why pay a fortune for a top?!'

'Mum, have a look at this!'

She passed the magazine.  A framed tropical heaven, where women sat, with pearly teeth and ocean matching eyes, on white sand in UGG boots, lured you in. Turquoise water was shimmering in a distance.

 Our holiday to Greece came to mind. We visited a Turtle nesting beach. The cigarette butts covered the sand. Turtles were nowhere in site. Here, even if the sheep's skin weren't your preferred footwear, the boots reflected an ultimate fusion of comfort and fashion, with an inaccessible paradise as a backdrop! As almost implying: 'Buy the boots and you feel the same as us.' Looking at the price tag, I closed my eyes. 'Who would not pay to imitate such a dream?' I knew from experience. Exchanging looks with my daughter, we had a hidden secrecy run between us.

My boys enjoy skateboarding. Comfortable shoes are vital. Re-energized, I faced the boys. I knew that when the Holy Spirit gets involved, it is a success.

'Would you like to hear a fascinating story?'

'What is it about, mum?' - inquired Daniel, a fact collector.

'Boots and faith.'

'Go on.'

'Look at this photo,' I've passed the magazine closer to them.

'These are genuine sheepskin boots. One of the best on the market.'

'They're pricey,' - my fact-collector observed.

'Highly skilled people worked hard to produce them.'

'I would not mind having a pair, Laura cut in promptly.    

'We had tried to buy a pair on the Internet, but fell right into the fraud net!' Laura's face showed that she hasn't forgotten about it.

'Remember a parcel that arrived with a fake sheep skin boots?'

'Life can be just like that,' I continued. 'Often we come across people who are not genuine. They will disappoint or hurt us.'

Seeing that I got all of their attention, I pressed on:

The Bible says: 'If God is for us, who can be against us?'

'As long as you believe these words, you don't need to fear. This fact makes all the difference.'

I've made an eye contact with Laura:

'You might not have these boots. Remember what God offers - the pleasure of being in His presence forever. He sent His Son to be slaughtered as a sheep, that you and I have a chance of knowing and enjoying Him. God's word says only faith is required. No price tag.'

They all were staring at me amused, as something had illuminated them.

'Who's in?' - I extended an invitation.

'I am, I am, I am,' all three boys shouting at once, while Laura seemed lost in her thoughts.  

The Holy Spirit had unveiled eternally rooted, unchanging truth to their small, yet inquiring minds.  

The dental nurse opened the door, with look of astonishment, staring at the boys:' One at a time, please, you are eager to check your teeth!'