As I sit here on a hill in the middle of France, the temperature is “fresh”, meaning briskly cool, and I have a bowl, not a cup, but a BOWL, of fabulous hot tea to keep me warm. The sun has just tucked away behind the distant hill, waving good-night by lighting up the sky with brilliant hues of pink, orange and purple. In the distance I can hear what sounds like chimes. No, that is not a neighbor’s whimsical yard art, it is bells around cows’ necks, ringing softly as they continue to graze the meadows. It is quiet here in the country- deafening quiet. Who knew that silence could be so loud? I don’t think we city dwellers realize just how noisy our lives can become. Beyond the cacophony of cars, sirens, and crowd-hum, there can be a constant roar in our hearts and minds as we race through our days, trying to accomplish as much as possible M-F so we can relax on the weekend. Yet the weekends seem just as demanding as the weekdays, with never-ending errands, pressing house repairs, and desired social connections. Busy-ness can reach soul shattering decibels. These last two days have been a respite from the rushing current of “trying to get settled”: rent the bikes; find the school; find the store; again, how do you say “where are the bathrooms?” The pace of French country life is a great refresher course on how to slow down and enjoy the simple things. The two hour trip to the Saturday morning village market, where local purveyors sell their goods. No middle-men here; you are talking directly to the guy who made it, grew it, or raised it. And then a snail’s paced, two hour lunch; everyone talking, laughing, ooo-ing and aww-ing over the day’s delicious discoveries. Next, a two and a half hour stroll up the hill to take in the panoramic views of the local hamlets and villages, then back down again by way of the long road. All the while, more talking and more laughing. Cell phones are out of range here and internet requires a modem, as in dial-up. We are forced to go analog and actually talk to each other, face to face. Once we arrived back at the house from our hillside trek, a snack of fresh cherries and peaches with local lemonade awaited us- our reward for enduring the stones in our shoes. After all that, a nap to be followed by a leisurely bread and cheese dinner. Then, you guessed it, another stroll to watch the sun go down….. And now…..I’ll finish this later.
After night settled over the landscape, we retreated to the kitchen table for a battle of card games late into the night. Before I went to sleep that night, I took a moment to reflect on the day. I wanted to remember this feeling. A feeling of being connected; a sense of community with this new “family.” I believe there is a yearning in all us for connection and intimacy. It seems like there is something in us that longs to know and to be known. And yet, it’s not the mere absence of noise or busy-ness that brings this satisfaction. I believe there are people that live in the countryside that can be just as lonely and desirous of connection. So many times we think it’s the absence of things that brings results: the absence of noise should bring peace, the absence of work should bring rest, the absence of distance should bring connection. So, to me, it isn’t the absence of something that brings peace or rest, but rather it’s the presence of someone. His name is Jesus. It is only when we know Jesus and allow Him to know us that we can finally experience the deep intimacy and connection that we desire. We are created this way. The Bible says in John 15:5 (The Message) “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant.” It’s being known by Him and knowing Him that fills the deep emptiness inside. Then, from this place of fullness, I can connect with others around me, truly connect. Not needing them to fulfill something for me. Not taking from them to satisfy my missing parts. Not using them to supply my lack. But giving the joy, love, peace, and hope that I have already found in Jesus, I can commune with those around me from a heart of abundance. And I can have this kind of raw interchange with Jesus anywhere- in the city or the country. It was just extra nice to have the time with Him and others while surrounded in such beauty. I was so blessed this weekend by the change of scenery and pace. It was a good reminder of the importance of slowing down to rest and breathe. It was refreshing to share so many good laughs with friamily (friends that are like family). I feel like I am ready to take on the next round of challenges.