It was 3:00 in the morning. We were standing in line outside a department store. There were 20 people ahead of us. Would there be any left when it was our turn to go inside? Please God, save some for us. The entrance door opened at 9:00, and by that time there were hundreds of people waiting to get in.
The line slowly started to move. The employees were only allowing a few people at a time to enter. It was agonizing. It finally was our turn to enter and we were ushered to a small room filled with Gold and Silver, diamonds and rubies. . . Cabbage Patch Kids! It was exhilarating! I knew what King Midas must have felt as he lusted after his treasures. Each of us were allowed to buy 2 dolls. Although they were expensive, they had been slightly discounted and after we made the purchases, we walked out, securely holding on to our little Pearls.
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one Pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” It’s hard to believe now, but in our zeal to purchase the dolls at any price, we used most of the available cash that we had. I’m not even sure where they are now. What are they currently worth in sentimental value to our daughters, or in monetary value as collector’s items? Back then, in the magical moment when we watched the girls open their Christmas presents and saw their eyes open wide with delight, the cost and the effort was worth it. But moments like that are so fleeting. They fly away.
“Hey, every one that is thirsty, come to the Waters and he that has no money; come and buy, and eat; yes, come and buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? And why do you work so hard on possessing things that do not satisfy you. They always fly away and you are still hungry and thirsty. Listen to me. Eat and drink that which is Good and your soul will be Full and Satisfied.” As far as the human heart goes, it needs every day to be Black Friday. Searching, seeking, treasure hunting every moment for that sweet deal, that special moment that makes life worthwhile.
We sell everything that we have. We sell ourselves for those goodly pearls, for that wine and milk and bread. We give what we are and we give what we can, to be happy. “Awake, awake, put on thy Strength. . .put on the Beautiful garments; shake thyself from the dust of this world; arise and sit down. . .the search is over. You have sold yourselves for nothing; and you shall be redeemed without money or cost of any kind.”
“There was a certain Creditor Who had two debtors ; the one owed 500 pence and the other 50; and when they had nothing to pay and no future hope of paying; the Creditor frankly forgave them both. Which of them will love Him more?” It was Black Friday for both of them. Instead of being thrown into debtor’s prison, they stood in line and were led in to the inner room where they found Mercy and Forgiveness. . .and it was all Free. They left with an Arm Full of Treasure. It was White Friday.
“I counsel thee to buy of Me, Gold tried in the fire that you may be Rich; and a White robe, so that you may be clothed in the finest of apparel; so that your guilt and shame will no longer appear. I will give you eyes so you can see Truth clearly. You will be full of Wisdom and Strength. You will Love and be Loved. You will have Purpose in Life. You will be the child of a King.”
God’s own flock of Cabbage Patch sheep, purchased by His Son. He always holds them in His arms and Delights in them.
A Good Moment 