AVIGNON

"You hem me in-behind and before you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." Psalm 139:5-6

This beautiful carousel is right in the center of town! 

Our hotel had a lovely garden area for guest to enjoy a coffee or a fresh French pastry! 

Our homes are often a reflection of who we are. Hopefully, we feel safe inside our homes.  It is wonderful to step inside someone's home and hear the words....." I am so happy you are here....I have been waiting for you."  We immediately feel a peace and a joy just to be with in the presence of that person and in their home.  Like the scripture above, we feel hemmed in and safe. That peace is something that is healing!  

There is a beautiful town in Provence in southeastern France where the ancient walls still surround the city and when one travels there, I think they might feel safe. It is set on the Rhone River. In the center of town there is the massive Palais des Papes or Palace of the Popes which served as the center for the Catholic Church in ages past, beginning in the 13th century. Today it is still a beautiful thriving town with a culture of art and history and makes a wonderful place for travelers to visit.  A traveler can arrive there by train from Paris in just a few hours.  

In centuries past in Avignon, the walls were built for protection to allow the citizens who lived there a safe haven from the outside world.  The massive walls have been preserved as a part of the beauty of the town.  On my visit, when my daughter and I first arrived, it was rather intimidating..... even though I had read and studied about what to expect.  Seeing the high walls was truly overwhelming.  We drove through a grand entrance and found a parking garage and parked our car inside the town. It was much like any other town with businesses, open air markets and outdoor cafes.  It was a safe haven hemmed in behind and before. 

Today, in our homes we desire to be safe from the outside world.  So, I reflect and ask....has human nature changed?  Our desires are still so similar.... to be safe, to be happy, to be with the ones we love and to live the life we've been given....fully!  "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain."  God bless your day with a feeling of peace and love than only HE can give. Everyday is a gift! Make the most of it whether you live in France or any other part of the world....LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

"passe une bonne journee"