This week is Owen County Fair Week.

It tends to be one of the hottest, stickiest and, at times, wettest week of the summer. So far the first two days haven’t been real hot or real sticky. It has been wet since we got a ton of rain on Monday afternoon and a nasty storm hit early Tuesday morning. Jo and I went Tuesday night and even though it was hot (in the 80s) it wasn’t totally unbearable because there was a fairly good breeze. We walked through all the animal exhibits because we have some young people who have horses, cattle, sheep, chickens, and hogs. We stopped and talked to some of the folks who have animals there.

I am amazed at their dedication- youth and parents!

The young people put in hours (or are supposed to) in taking care of their animals as well as training them for show. And some of those animals are downright ornery. In fact, just last week a cow, which was to be shown, knocked down one of the girls and stepped on her causing some ankle damage. Needless to say they put the cow out to pasture. 🙂 Pretty expensive venture for mom and dad!

During Fair Week everyone is involved. One family I talked to was there from 9:00 to 9:00. I can think of things I’d rather do than sit around a fair all day. But they do it for a reason:

DEDICATION

For many of these young people/families the fair is the consummation of a year long commitment to being ready. Late nights. Early mornings. Cold days. Hot days. When they don’t feel like it. When the animal doesn’t feel like it. Joy. Frustration (since animals are like people). But they do it for the Fair results.

Oh, I can’t forget those who do displays for 4-H: drawings, hobbies, baking, sewing, etc. We will be seeing those tonight. It takes dedication and commitment on their part as well.

I’m extremely proud of our young people. I’m equally proud of the parents who support them. Takes dedication on the part of both.

Need I make a connection to our spiritual lives? I think not. It is obvious.