When I was studying abroad in Rouen, France our professor had us meet at the train station early on the first day of class to show us the easiest way to get to campus. Centrally located, the station sits near the iconic Rouen Cathedral—the one Claude Monet spent years painting—making it easy to spot from almost anywhere in the city.

That morning, we stepped out from our host families’ homes both excited and nervous for our first full day of class en français. By the end of the day, after hours of speaking only French, we were exhausted! So, most of us decided to walk together from the hill where the university sat back down toward the train station to get a little exercise (and speak a little english) before returning to our immersive French homes. But when we arrived, we realized none of us actually knew how to get home.

For the next several hours, we wandered—walking and walking, searching for something familiar besides the train station and the cathedral. At first, it felt like a quest, an adventure where a hot meal and familiar faces awaited our arrival. But slowly, the adventure wore thin. We bickered, argued over the map, and grew frustrated that none of us had thought to write down better directions (this was before you could use GPS for anything!) Rouen, with its medieval streets and high-walled homes, has a way of making everything look the same.

Eventually, one by one, we each found our way home—but only after finding the courage to ask a shopkeeper or café owner for help.

It was in that experience I learned this: when you are lost, you can still be found—but only when you swallow your pride, surrender to your surroundings, and ask for help.

Where are you feeling lost? Who can you ask for help?

May God guide us with earthy companions to help us when we are lost and for the comfort the Spirit who guides us "home" through prayer and reflection.

Blessings and Love,
Pastor Lauren