Fair symbolic of God's abundance

I look forward to the county fair this time of year. The sights, sounds and smells entice me. I marvel at people's talents. The creativity and ingenuity of all the participants is overwhelming. The crafts, art displays, booths, food preservation and all the many other things remind me of God's abundance upon our lives. I love 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. We thank the hard working farmers for we are all blessed.

When I see the magnificent animals I think of a time to come when Jesus returns. It will be when all nature is at peace. "Then wolves will live in peace with lambs, and leopards will lie down to rest with goats. calves, lions, and young bulls will eat together, and a little child will lead them. Cows and bears will eat together in peace. Their young will lie down to rest together. Lions will eat hay as oxen do" (Isaiah 11:6-7, NCV).

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 31:31. "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 and look some more. I marvel at their talents and then I think of the "Master Painter." His strokes of beauty thrill my soul, "Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary" (Psalm 96,6 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)

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. It is days of community friendship sharing with each other.

God's Kingdom contains "blue ribbon" winners. 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." (KJV)

This is the best blue ribbon of all!

— Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]