Just getting a birthday gift…

In Chiang Mai we have one bookstore that sells Christian books in English ~ mind you ~ this is a very rare combination, English and Christian, of which it goes with saying that we are very thankful for it. The selection is quite limited and the prices range from somewhat fair to a bit overpriced, however, one must take into consideration how far the books and other materials must travel to not get too bent out of shape about the prices.

Matthew and Tim both had friends’ birthday parties to attend a couple of weeks ago and Tim wanted to see what his choices were at the Christian bookstore before looking elsewhere. We ventured to that particular side of town which is also quite near Scott’s office to assess Tim’s options. Tim and Scott made a bee-line for the compact music section while Paul and I meandered around. I think I lost track of where Matthew headed as I can quite often lose myself to “just looking around” and taking in all the new titles and ideas. Standing at the end of an aisle, one book simultaneously grabbed both Paul’s and my attention. I think Paul liked the cover and I liked the title, Battlefield of the Mind, by Joyce Meyer. I quickly told Paul that the book was for adults, but I could tell that he was quite taken by the chess pieces scattered over the front cover and the word “Battlefields”. Anything having to do with battles really appeals to Paul, as he is usually seeing how well he can “die”.

We both continued our separate meandering in the tiny section of the small store and ended up in another aisle back to back ~ when I heard ~ “Can I get this book, Mom?” I turned to see the exact book only a kid version in his hand. “Now Paul…this book isn’t about chess,” I quickly and quietly spouted. “Yes, Mom, I know!” Paul proceeded to summarize the back of the book and fill me in on some of the main headings of the book. I was quite impressed with his initiative, ability, research, and persistence. However, we were only in there for a birthday gift…nothing personal. Yet, his choice was actually very pertinent to what Scott and I believed has been going on with Paul for a while. Scott and I were in quick agreement and the book was added to the birthday gift purchase for Tim’s friend.

Paul has been working his way through the book. He carries it with him, along with his Aussie Rules Footy cards, wherever he goes, but doesn’t want to finish it too quickly because he doesn’t want it to end. There’s some deep stuff in there for a nine year old, but it’s all very well written and pretty basic to principles of human nature when you get to the bottom of it.

”Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)