Greg is my son-in-law, but he is like a son to me. This year he blessed Lizzy and I with the trip of a lifetime. One of the stops was Paris. We stayed at the Prince da Galles, Prince of Wales, Hotel on George V street, which was a short walk to the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most famous monuments in Paris. This is the monument where the newsreel footage shows the Nazis marching into Paris. It is in the center of town and the main roads form the spokes of a wheel, just like in downtown Detroit.
Palace of Versailles
Lizzy and I also spent the day at a significant historical site, the Palace of Versailles. First built as a hunting lodge in 1624 by King Louis III and expanded to the largest and most luxurious palace in the world by his son Louis IV. The building and gardens are so grand that you must visit to believe it. One room, the Hall of Mirrors is 240 feet long, it has 357 mirrors, each about 5 or 6 feet in dimension. At the time of construction, just one cost the same as a house for a common person in Paris. This room is a reminder: Nothing is grander or outlasts God’s love for us (Ephesians 3:18).
Within Mirror Hall, two historic treaties were signed; the German Empire was declared in 1871 by Otto von Bismarck (prime minister) after the victory of the German states in the Franco-Prussian War and the Treaty of Versailles to end World War I in 1919.The Treaty of Versailles also guaranteed the events leading to World War II.
French Revolution
Visiting Versailles allowed me to understand the French Revolution. Lots of awe and beauty, but so sad. The Third Estate (that would be us) represented 97% of the population.They were forced to pay for this palace, while they struggled. Louis XIV built the Palace, but Louis XVI paid for it with his life. According to archival records, at least 16,594 people lost their heads under the guillotine during the French Revolution, including Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. Remember, she was the one who said, “Let them eat cake,” when told that the people were starving. Standing in the Palace of Versailles, it was easy to see how one could become so isolated. She lived in a different world and had no idea what life was like outside the palace. Four Kings lived a life of luxury in Versailles until the start of the French Revolution in 1789.
Eiffel Tower
Of course, we also visited the most famous monument in Paris, the Eiffel Tower. No historical significance at all. It was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and the French fell in love with it. It has become the symbol for romance around the world. The Eiffel Tower was definitely Liz’s favorite part of our trip. At the Eiffel tower, it is easy to be infected with romance. We were blessed because Chan and Greg had arranged and paid for a reservation at the 58 Eiffel Tower Restaurant, very fancy. Luckily, we had packed dressy clothes. We waited in line for almost an hour to ride up the elevator to the restaurant.
Paris is Romance
One couple waiting with us was a young man and woman, elegantly dressed. He was handsome and she was beautiful. They stood out, however, because the man seemed so nervous. We later found out why. Sitting just two tables from us he got down on one knee and pulled out a small box with a ring. People clapped. The photographer took pictures. The love between husband and wife is a symbol of Christ’s love for his Church (Ephesians 5:25).
When we were led up the stairs to our table, it was now dark outside and the lights of the city were majestic. The host led us to a table at the window and proclaimed, “Best seat in the house.” I looked at Lizzy and she was crying. It was a multiple course meal and we tried lots of new things, including duck pate, but everything was delicious and magical. It was late when the night ended with a taxi ride back to our hotel. But, here is the money shot of the entire trip. No, I did not take it. If you look close you can see the photographer’s reflection. It cost me 25 euros, but worth every cent.
It was the trip of a lifetime and a reminder to me of God’s great love for us. The fact is that God is “pro you.” He loves each of us more than all the things and places in this world. He picked you. God desires a relationship with you, to communicate and enjoy you, forever (Romans 8:31-38).
© 2019 Chuck Locklear All rights reserved
Also, see Victorious Living.