The farmer's market and the glory of God

Another Saturday is gone and it was well spent. I had my husband all day, and that was a true delight! We all piled in the van (mini) and headed to our small downtown, which hosts a farmer's market every Saturday morning.

Our children enjoyed learning from the various farmers, who all practice organic farming. We learned about compost worms (would love to try that!), how mushrooms are cultivated, and how my favorite herb (basil) is grown.

I was able to pick up a good bit of fresh produce as well as free-range eggs and all natural chicken (no antibiotics...). Of course, we also had to buy a loaf of homemade sourdough rye bread (yum!).

After we had fully experienced each section of the farmer's market, we stopped by a local artist's studio where I hopped out of the car and enjoyed a quick walk through. I was stunned by the talent and beauty displayed in each painting, carving, and piece of jewerly.

Scott and I shared a few thoughts as we were driving back home. The produce was bountiful, the art beautiful and we were once again reminded of the real purpose of the earth and of all beauty: the glory of God.

God gave his magnificent creation and all the fruits of the earth so that we could look around us and exclaim, "The earth is the Lord's and all the fullness thereof," and, "The heavens declare the glory of God".

God is the source of all beauty, and all good art should remind us of his beauty and cause us to turn in worship of our glorious God. I still remember pastor John Piper saying that when we exercise creativity we are reflecting an attribute of God, whose imagination and creativity can never be rivaled.

So this morning was great, and we had a great time meeting new folks, teaching our children a little about where their food comes from (the shitake mushroom farmer was fascinating!), and have already enjoyed a few delicious tastes of the food we bought. But none of these enjoyments was an end to itself. Behind and around and through all of our activities was the gracious pull of our loving God, beckoning us to come enjoy and delight in and worship Him.