There are many things that I love and enjoy about the Florida Strawberry Festival, but one thing that has always stuck in my mind when I think of the festival is that it’s like a huge family reunion. Last night was the opening night, and it sure did not disappoint. Here’s what I mean by a “family reunion”:

• Holly, Cole, and I walk in the gate and her retired kindergarten teacher was scanning tickets. We had to stop, give hugs, and chat about Holly soon-to-be leaving for college.
• On our way to purchase our food we ran into the first set of grandparents. Grandaddy and Mrs. Becky were enjoying dinner after they had volunteered their time to share about Jesus at the SOS booth. Playing along with the theme of the festival, “Royal Fun for Everyone”, the SOS booth displayed a banner asking passerbys, “Are you in The Royal Family?” (Well…are you?)
• Then we stopped and chatted with the next second of grandparents. Nana and Grandpa Carol work the Lost and Found booth each night. It’s always a great place for us to sit and chat watch the crowds stroll by, and a place that there is no doubt that you will see and visit with someone you haven’t seen since last festival.
• While working our way to our seats to the Josh Turner concert we probably conversed and hug more than a dozen more friends.
• After the concert, I heard that my cousin, Reggie and his daughter Hailey, were down from Georgia. They came down to see the pig sale because Reggie is the provider of approximately twenty of the livestock that participated in the pig show last night. Not only did the pigs participate, but did well, very well, in all of their classes. And…not only did well, but the best! His pig won Grand Champion! I haven’t seen Reggie in years! I used to travel every summer up to Georgia with my granny and grandpa, and later with my family, to visit the Georgia cousins and attend a family reunion. So, last night’s appearance of Reggie was definitely a “family reunion” moment at the festival.

• Mr. Ray Clark is like a family fixture for me. I grew up with three older brothers who were involved in agriculture (specifically the FFA) before I was out of elementary school. Through the years, Mr. Clark was the high school ag teacher for all four of us. He always had a joking spirit about him, and he hasn’t changed at all. He may be retired from the school system, but his dedication to the youth in agriculture (throughout the state, not just Plant City) is admirable. I had to snap a current photo of him with me and my brother Kenneth. (Hey, Ray…how about an interview with me? Yes?)

Each night I step through the gates of the festival will be like a family reunion. It’s always an exciting time.
When I left last night I couldn’t help but think about how heaven will be. I’ll walk through those pearly gates and start seeing familiar faces, some that I haven’t seen in years. Hugs will be given, chats will take place, and love will abound.  Glory!
Well, are you? Are you a part of The Royal Family? I pray that you will ask Jesus into your heart now. Accept Him. Believe in Him. Repent. Commit your life to Christ. I’m always up for more brothers and sisters in Christ.

I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
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