Reflecting on Last Year's Fair Win!

By the Beekeeper's Wife

It's August, and in our house that means several things - the start of school, a couple birthdays to celebrate at the end of the month, and also it's time to start getting our fair entries ready!

For the past 6 years the Beekeeper has entered multiple jars of our honey in multiple categories in the South Plains Fair.  There have been many 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons over the years, but the Best in Show always eluded us. 

What is interesting to me is that we can do all we can to make sure the bees are happy in the hives we provide them;  the Beekeeper makes sure they have access to water (if you're getting rid of a bird bath, we'll take it!), and he also makes sure there are pollen sources for the bees when there is nothing blooming in our area.  We also make sure we practice safe and sanitary practices when harvesting the honey (former home ec. teacher here!) But when it comes to the taste of the honey, we do absolutely nothing to it - nothing added, no processing or heating or ultra-filtering.  The amazing taste is 100% the bees and the plants from which they are pulling pollen and nectar.   

So, back to the 2024 South Plains Fair - The Beekeeper was volunteering at our church's corndog stand at the fair when the results of the honey competition were announced.  When he went to check on the results, he was so happy to see that big purple ribbon on his honey jar.  Best in Show was his goal every year, so he was definitely excited to win this award, but this win came at a time when the Beekeeper needed it the most.  He'd spent the summer caring for his father who was on hospice, and who had past away only a few weeks before the fair.  The picture of Nathan showing off his Best in Show ribbon is a special one to me because it was the first real smile that I'd seen on his face in a while. 

We know life isn't about the ribbons and trophies that will eventually accumulate dust over the years.  But last year that big purple ribbon was exactly what The Beekeeper needed in that moment.  It was like a pat on the back from God, letting Nathan know that he was seen and his efforts were seen, and to keep going with this beekeeping adventure.

Praying for you friends, that you'll get a pat on the back from God today encouraging you to keep running your race.