Beautiful Strangers. That's how I found myself with Paris.
I arrived in Paris without specific expectations. I was aware of her cherished, glittering oil rig (snagged that analogy from my friend Christi) that held a revered status, The Eiffel Tower. What captivated me the most was being in a place where history unfolded, reading how Paris endured numerous afflictions and yet stood resilient as the Paris we know today. Beautiful in its entirety. Whether it's a captivating cafe conversation with a friend or the architectural marvel of a building, you're bound to find goodness in every twist and turn that catches your attention in this city.
The first remarkable building I encountered in Paris was Notre Dame. While constructing Notre Dame spanned years of effort, its destruction occurred in mere minutes due to fire. Presently, the arduous task of restoration is underway. It never ceases to amaze me how the process of building something can span years, while its destruction can occur in a matter of mere minutes.
In a matter of seconds, my existence was brought into being, but, much like the building of Notre Dame, it took years of growth and development to establish connections and ways of being. Some were deeply meaningful. Unfortunately, much of the input during the years of the creation of my being, was harmful and destructive. It took my dad minutes to destroy any goodness I would try to place in my life. Nonetheless, after discovering a path away from harm, it required years of dedicated effort to reconstruct my soul into a reflection of the truth, goodness, and beauty that I admire in God. Arriving in Paris, I can say that I brought with me a reconstructed soul, one of beauty. I humbly recognize that this transformation is not of my own doing, but rather a result of Christ's presence and the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. All truth, goodness, and beauty emanate from their grace and guidance.
Here's my advice for anyone embarking on a journey, whether an adventure, a relationship, a job, or simply sharing a table with friends or loved ones. Begin by dedicating time to show up in your own life with intention. Take the opportunity to understand who you truly are, the purpose of your creation, and recognize your unique value. This self-awareness enriches your interactions with others and adds depth to your experiences while traveling to new places. Many set out on a journey hoping to find themselves, and I, too, have attempted this quest multiple times, only to end up feeling empty and uncertain about my identity. I still do recognize the many who do find a sense of identity somewhere on a journey in a foreign country. I believe the best way to find your identity is by looking to God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. They are everywhere and anywhere, at home, at church, in a foreign country, with a friend at a table. My experience was that, during my time in Paris, I finally showed up somewhere knowing who I was, who I wanted to be and doing it intentionally. When I sensed that Paris itself showed up with a clear purpose, that inspired me to show up with even more intention as well. Yes, I intentionally wore red lipstick for the first time. We were beautiful strangers creating something more than just a memory, it was an integration of beauty into my soul. I could receive what Paris had to offer with delight. I am still uncertain what I left her with or if I needed to leave anything at all. Maybe the shop keeper who saw the paper plates I sell and responded with an expletive and the question - Those are paper?! I would like to think I did inspire others along the way, becoming beautiful strangers together. Even a few gentlemen standing on a street filled with lovely galleries.
To prepare for a trip to Paris, start by delving into self-discovery and embracing your true identity. Select clothing that serves as both statement pieces and mementos of your journey when you return home. Upon arrival, treat yourself to a new perfume, allowing the essence of Paris to accompany you back home. Though the delightful scent of Paris may fade, it will forever remain ingrained in my memories.
How do you experience Paris? With intentionality of knowing who you are find a friend who loves adventure. Wander through streets, talk to shop owners, people-watch, and sit in the grassy parks. Go with the speed of a prairie dog, my friend and I averaged 15 miles a day, or take it slow because you have blisters and your feet ache from the cobble stones. Allow Paris to become a remarkable canvas, where you can gather at the table and form meaningful connections. Approach this city with intentionality, making each moment count as you explore its wonders and forge unforgettable experiences. Paris becomes a sanctuary for deeper self-discovery and a haven for cultivating profound relationships with both the city and its people. Let your journey in Paris be a masterpiece of authenticity, intention, and heartfelt connections. Become Beautiful Strangers.
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