Day 14: Annecy, France

“The Lord is my shepherd;

    I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

    he leads me beside peaceful streams.

     He renews my strength.”


Psalm 23:1-3a (NLT)


Throughout these past two months while taking a break from work, the Lord’s Prayer has spoken to me.  Resting isn’t an American value, and I’ve often struggled with feeling that my value is deeply connected to the work I do each day.  I am constantly reminded that we are not valued by our efforts, but by the love the Savior has for us. He made it pretty clear that we are commanded to rest, and in honoring that command, He will restore our souls.  


Today, my devotional started with this Psalm of comfort as we literally stare at green meadows, walk beside peaceful streams, and renew our strength. God is good. He is merciful in the really hard times, and He is so generous in these good times. 


Today was like a dream.  Just in case we’re allowed to pick what Heaven looks like, I chose this. This city, this language, these streets filled with cobblestones and shops and fresh flowers.  We started our day with le petit dejeuner at Le bar roux d’Heure, which Zachary described as glory. (See photo with blueberry pancakes!). On Mardi, vendors line the street for the market, and I enjoyed brushing off my French for selections of vegetables, fruits, local cheese, olives, and nougat.  Zach is enjoying learning the language, starting every sentence with Je voudrais… (I want….) no surprise there. At the market, these boys want everything!


Zachary got his first French haircut, and then Aaron offered to take the boys to the park while I did some shopping. Now, that was Glory. Alleluia. Amen. I walked alone and shopped for two hours, unable to wipe the smile off of my face. I stopped for a Cafe Americano and two chocolates while reading my devotional. I bought new jeans, a t-shirt, a nice bottle of white wine for tonight, and confirmed our bike rentals for tomorrow.


Aaron took the boys to the park right alongside Lac d’Annecy.  They had a blast, playing on a playground, kicking a soccer ball, throwing a frisbee.  They had a few races across the field, and while very hot, returned all smiles. When in doubt, find a park when traveling with kids.













Tonight we’re cooking French omelettes and potatoes, and we’ll end with another early turn in. While our souls are restful, our feet are tired. Bonsoir a bientot!


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