Lost In Paris

Lost in Paris

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Philippians 2:4

We were hopelessly lost. As two twentysomething Americans wearing jeans and battered tennis shoes, with backpacks slung over our shoulders as we walked the streets of Paris, we were clearly out of our element. Although we had successfully navigated the overnight train from Vienna to Paris and then the metro to our current location, the quiet, nontouristy streets were proving to be a challenge. Peering at the street signs, I could have sworn we were walking in circles as I checked our map yet again.

Then, from a street corner, an older woman beckoned to us. She had a bluish tint to her hair and clutched a battered suitcase in her wrinkled hands, but her dark eyes were sharp and alight with intelligence. She asked us something, but my single year of French was no match for her rapid-fire words, and I simply shrugged and looked helplessly at my equally confused companion. Pulling out the hotel address, I handed it to the woman, a wordless plea for help.

Nodding, she motioned sharply for us to follow, then proceeded to walk us to our hotel three blocks away. With a gracious smile and another little wave, she took her leave and continued on her way.

As we entered the lobby of our hotel, I marveled at this woman’s kindness. The walk was clearly a challenge for her and required us to go slowly. Even more than that, we were strangers—Americans, in a time when our people were characterized as rude and aggressive tourists—and yet she overlooked stereotypes to help us. We, in turn, had been cautioned by fellow travelers that Parisians disliked Americans and merely tolerated their presence. Yet we experienced none of the disdain we had been led to expect. Instead, a stranger took the time to help us with no expectation of anything in return.

As Christians, we’re asked to look beyond our own interests to help others, but all too often it can be easy to look the other way when a stranger needs help. Have you judged someone based on certain stereotypes? If so, how can you look beyond your preconceived notions to show them kindness?

—Kristin

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Go out of your way to be kind to someone you may have judged in the past.