It was cold and dreary this morning.  We readied ourselves and found our way to The American Church of Paris.  I could not get out the door fast enough, I was so excited to listen to a sermon in English. We exited the subway and spilled out onto one of my favorite bridges. 

After about a block, we could see the steeple of "The American Church." Sophie and I just about blew over at the crosswalk.  We had to put our heads down, hold onto each other, and push ourselves against the wind.

Once I walked into the foyer, I had a sense of reverence, I knew to quiet  myself. After walking a few more steps, I was welcomed by brightly colored stained glass surrounding me, drawing me in.  The Church was smaller than I expected. 

I had a hard time concentrating for the first half of the service.  I was constantly looking up at the stained glass. 

The service was very traditional, it had a Protestant bend.  There was lots of standing up and sitting down.  I thought the sermon slow, there was lots of reading of the Old Testament.  I felt my mind wandering, "Gina, stop it and listen", then my mind would wander again.  

As the end of the sermon neared, the message was more direct and it came full circle for me.  It focused on Christ's resurrection and His gift of eternity for us.  It made me question why I am so enamored by the flesh, the here and now.  My focus needs to turn toward eternity, this life on earth is a vapor  when compared to eternity.  Where are my priorities?  What are my motivations?  What  is my time spent on? 

I sat and pondered and wondered why God directed us to this church.  It is the polar opposite of our church in Texas.  Our Texas church is an amazing place.  You can almost see the Holy Spirit moving throughout the congregation.  Worship feels like a concert for Christ every Sunday; there is no holding back at "Gateway Church".  You are free to express yourself in the moment and no one will care.  Our Pastor is extremely entertaining and relates the Bible to the here and now.  You don't have to work very hard to get his point and to enjoy the service.

The American Church of Paris does not have that feel.  It felt a bit disconnected at times.........or was that me.  I will have to work and really listen at this church.  I came away feeling that my theme for this year is slowing down and reflecting.  This church is a perfect place for that. 

Sophie looked up at me during the service and said "Mom, I think we found our new church".   Dan pretty much said the same thing as we gathered for coffee with the rest of the congregation.  He grew up Catholic and this church felt more like home to him.  Max agreed;  he counted 112 standed glass windows.