We are headed to the State Fair later today. Yay! We are one of those weird families who go every single year and spend exorbitant amounts of money in order to brave ginormous crowds, stand in long lines to ride a few short rides, enjoy some of the exhibits and, primarily, well, actually, overwhelmingly predominately, eat incredibly unhealthy (but insanely delicious) food. Every year we look forward to "eating our way through the fair." We have a great routine--start with the honey cotton candy and the proceed to the grilled corn coated with globs of butter.
Then we make sure we go through a few tents featuring free nuts, cider, or mysterious items made of sweet potatoes. We've yet to actually purchase any items in this pavilion (a unnamed person in our family would put Scrooge to shame when it comes to not purchasing extra items--and I know said person is absolutely correct, but geez, where's the fun in that?), so we feel like major freeloaders as we pass through. But believe me, the fair folks get far more than their money's worth out of our hungry hoard.
And of course, by now it's time for the main course of pizza, chicken gyros and whatever else looks new or interesting. O gracious, I forgot about my personal favorite: the fried tempura vegetables! Heaven in a small paper bowl! Trust me, there really are some vegetables somewhere deep within that thick yummy fried coating. Life is good.
Then we don't want to forget the most important food group--DESSERT!! O yes, fried dough, caramel apples (for mom), candy apples (for kids--they don't know what they are missing), fried items of miscellaneous origins--from Oreos to candy bars to something gross sounding with bacon in it (we generally pass on that--so there's something we don't eat). And the very best thing at the fair (o wait, have I already said that? I guess there are lots of best things): the vet school ice cream. You have to stand in a ridiculously long line to get it, but, boy, it is worth every moment of it. I've stood in long lines in a cold rain to get that ice cream. It doesn't taste quite as good when you are wearing soggy mittens and your lips are blue, but it's still mighty fine. Yes, life is very good.
John Piper always says that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." And he reminds us that "the fight for faith is the fight for joy." Faith is seeing and savoring the supreme treasure of Christ."
I needed that reminder. Nothing compares to knowing and loving and enjoying and worshipping and thanking Him, our treasure above all treasures. And He is the source and sustainer of every single lesser treasure in our lives. From caramel apples to tempura vegetables to vet school ice cream. And whenever we see and savor these lesser blessings, we need to immediately look to the Giver and give Him praise. See Him as the Glorious Source of our joy.
We are also remembering today that He is the One who heals and moves marvelously and miraculously in our lives. The One who still rolls away stones from tombs and gives life to the dead. Who revives us when we are exhausted. Who renews us when we feel hopeless. Who forgives and lifts us when we fall. And who loves us as His treasure. Every single one of us. O to be so loved and treasured by the Supreme Treasure!
So today, we are going to "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Literally. And thank Him again that He is our perfect Gift-giver who loves His children. Who would have ever believed or even dreamed way back in late august and in september that our family would be going to the State Fair this year and enjoying the goodness of God?! What can I say--He is the Supreme Treasure who delights to give His children joy. Might we find our ultimate joy in Him on this fine day... and every day. He is supremely worthy. To God, the Supreme Treasure who treasures us, be all the glory.
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