You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
—Proverbs 19:21 NLT
One spring day in Paris, I spent an entire morning learning how the city had become one of the world’s most influential and beautiful at the Carnevalet,the museum of the history of Paris.
So by the time my friend Wendy and I re-emerged into the sunlight of the Marais district, we were ready for lunch and primed for some downtime.
First, we’d find a good restaurant nearby. And then, off we’d go to the Louvre Museum for the rest of the afternoon.
At least, that had been our plan.
Until, somehow, we wandered into the Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest and arguably most beautiful public square.
In its center lay a grassy area where small groups and couples of all ages, as well as single loungers, mused quietly, read books, and picnicked.
When Wendy asked me, eyes bouncing with hope, “Did you bring the blanket?,” I nodded “Yes.”
And we headed for the charcuterie across the street.
There, we bought cold cuts, a baguette🥖, grapes🍇, two kinds of cheese🧀— Brie for her and a sheep’s milk cheese I’d never heard of before for me— and some sparkling waters.
Within minutes, we had returned to the square. Then we found a place on the grass near the others and began our feast.
I took the first bite of my French cheese, surprisingly sweet and buttery, while Wendy spread Brie on her half of the baguette.
Bliss.
And without either of us saying as much, we agreed to visit Mona Lisa and her friends at the Louvre another day.
This “detour” with its sunshine, people-watching, and picnicking in the Place des Vosges remains one of my best memories of Paris and time spent with a dear friend.
Looking back now, I see how God’s plans for me have always been better than my own.
How about you?
Is God leading you down a road you never expected to travel or even knew was there?
If so, stay cool, Beloved.
Keep working your current plans until He tells you to stop, but loosen your grip.
And set your mind to let them go without hesitation, if He asks you to, knowing what’s coming is better than anything you’ve imagined.
🖊️QUOTES FOR CREATIVES BY CREATIVES
ON FINDING WHAT WE DIDN’T SEEK
Sometimes the most meaningful experiences aren’t pursued. Instead, they find us, through a blend of attentiveness (ours) and grace (His).
“This discovery… is…of that kind which I call serendipity, a very expressive word; …I will… explain it to you…I once read a silly fairy tale, called The Three Princes of Serendip: as their Highnesses travelled, they were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of.”
English Diplomat Horace Walpole on how he came to coin the word serendipity
“There are no mistakes, only happy accidents.”
American Painter and Television Host, Bob Ross
“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.”
Novelist and Librettist, William Plomer
🍿MOVIE NIGHT AROUND THE WORLD
3 CLASSICS TO CELEBRATE FRANCE
July 14th is Bastille Day🇫🇷, France’s national day!
Here are three classic films with gorgeous cinematography, set entirely or partially in France.
May I suggest you make time to enjoy one of them this weekend?
It may very well lead you to stand up and cheer, whether in support of true love, the triumph of good over evil, or the beauty of France and its capital city, Paris.
(Or you could watch all three!)
- An American in Paris (1951): The ultimate song and dance celebration of romance and Paris.
- Funny Face (1957): Another marvelous musical that treats us to the beauty of Paris and its place as a fashion center, with a sense of fun.
- Casablanca (1943): The all-time favorite salute to the love of freedom, the love of country, and the love of love itself. And, oh yes, of Paris. 😉
And with that, I thank you for experiencing another slice of God’s delightful✨ world with me! Au revoir!
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