I love the County Fair. The sights, sounds and smells entice me and I marvel at people’s talents. The creativity and ingenuity of all the participants are overwhelming. The crafts, art displays, booths, food preservation and all the many other things remind me of God’s abundance upon our lives. I think of James 1:17, “Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows.” (NCV).

            God’s gifts produce the sunshine and rain for crops we desperately need, and with hard working farmers we are all blessed.

            When I see the magnificent animals, I think of a time to come when Jesus returns, when nature is at peace and children can even play with dangerous animals, “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the water covers the sea” (Isaiah 11:9 NIV).

            The beautiful handiwork by talented ladies brings back heartfelt memories of my grandmother with her embroidery work and quilt making. Many of my happy childhood memories revolve around Granny’s quilting parties. The food brought to those all day affairs still linger in my mind and I wonder if I have eaten anything so delicious since. The wonder of it all brings to mind the good and virtuous woman of Proverbs 31,”Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (NIV)

            The artwork of local artists is amazing. I like to look a long time at the paintings. I marvel at their talents and I am reminded of the “Master Painter.” Strokes of spectacular beauty of nature thrill my soul. He paints beauty all around us. “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary” (Psalm 96:7 NIV).

            The stately heads of grain in the agricultural building remind me of God’s statement in Matthew 17:20-21…”I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there and it will move. All things will be possible for you.’” (NCV)

            The bounty and wonder of God’s earth is a marvelous gift indeed for a thankful people. To me, the County Fair is a celebration of God’s abundance.

            A dear friend remarked to me, “I may not win a ribbon, but I’m a winner anyway, just for taking the time and trouble to enter.” What an attitude. Entries make the fair better and just for trying makes a winner.

            Have you ever thought about the many volunteers who make the Fair a success? Unselfish people join together to bring great events for the public to enjoy. Here’s a big “Thank you” from all of us.

            I’m so glad we have a County Fair. It brings back Americana of olden days, of yesterday, days of community friendship sharing with each other.

            God’s Kingdom contains “blue ribbon” winners too. Believers have their blue ribbons imprinted with John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

            That is the best blue ribbon of all.

            I’m working on my entry. I hope you are too.

            Be a “blue winner” in God’s Kingdom. It will last forever!