As I walked away from a giant flea market held at the state fairgrounds last weekend, all I could think was, “Why do I come to these things?”

I was carrying a children’s book called Tim and His Train (Yes, I bought it just because of the title), a checkerboard with no checkers, a box of fake fruit and veggies, and—worst of all—a five-foot-long menu board with attachable letters that I have no need for since I don’t own a concession stand.

To be honest, I had trouble limiting myself to those four purchases. I went with the intention of buying one specific item, and when I couldn’t find it, I got distracted by all the other gems that were for sale. The problem with flea markets is that there is so much stuff to choose from at such cheap prices.

In Galatians, Paul writes, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” When we’re in step with the Spirit, we’re focused on God. We’re not distracted by worries, fleshly desires, selfish ambitions, and the like. Instead, we’ll enjoy the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I’d take that over a box of fake fruit any day.


Photo: flickr / -julia-