{"id":86,"date":"2014-12-03T15:01:57","date_gmt":"2014-12-03T15:01:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/?p=86"},"modified":"2015-05-31T18:23:53","modified_gmt":"2015-05-31T18:23:53","slug":"sainte-chapelle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/findinggodeverywhere.com\/?p=86","title":{"rendered":"Finding Kindness at Saint Chapelle"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"IMG_0165\"<\/a>

Sainte Chapelle–keeper of the Crown of Thorns. Encircling the spires of this church are thorn-like adornments.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"IMG_0169\"<\/a>

Sainte Chapelle Cathedral with its majestic stained glass windows.<\/p><\/div>\n

Near to Notre Dame is a magnificent church built by King Louis IX (Saint Louis as he is also known) in the middle of the thirteenth century. \u00a0 This church was built as a private chapel for the King to hold precious Holy Relics of the Passion of the Christ: \u00a0the Crown of Thorns and a small fragment of the Holy Cross. \u00a0King Louis desired these holy relics to the extent that he was willing to pay any price necessary to obtain them for himself, his kingdom, and all Christians. \u00a0Besides preserving these items for future generations, he believed by owning such, God might make Paris the “new Jerusalem”.<\/p>\n

\"Sainte<\/a>

Sainte Chapelle’s beautiful stained glass windows<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Holy<\/a>

Holy Relics were kept in this inner sanctuary high above the cathedral floor.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Close<\/a>

Close up of the archway that once held the Holy Relics<\/p><\/div>\n

Though this church is small compared to Notre Dame, (less than a block away) the stained glass windows are breathtaking. \u00a0They are each so tall and detailed, it is hard to separate one frame of window from the next.<\/p>\n

It is said the King would enter this chapel by himself at all hours of the night and gaze at the relics while pondering the concerns of his kingdom. \u00a0I can’t begin to fathom the ability to build such a cathedral nor to sit for hours by oneself within it, gazing at these precious items. \u00a0What did he think about? \u00a0What was on his heart? \u00a0A kingdom depended upon him to protect and rule fairly.<\/p>\n

The Bible states,\u00a0to whom much is given, much is required.<\/em> \u00a0King Louis possessed so much by worldly standards, yet so do I. \u00a0If I spend time comparing myself to others I might feel either unhappy because of what I lack, or boastful because I have much. \u00a0Contentment is a decision. \u00a0Like the Apostle Paul I am finally learning to be content with much or with little. \u00a0It is not circumstances that provide peace and happiness. \u00a0It is keeping my eyes on the Lord and not looking around.<\/p>\n

Still, I am human. \u00a0With so many tourists vying for the perfect place to take a photo, or pushing themselves in front to see better, I remind myself to “keep smiling”. \u00a0It is a church, not just a photo op. \u00a0I wonder, do people leave their manners at home or is this too a “relic” of the past? \u00a0Where did kindness go?<\/p>\n

After leaving this church we spent a few moments getting a bite to eat across the street. \u00a0At a most unexpected moment, kindness and caring crept up before my eyes. \u00a0Were I not paying attention, it might have been missed. \u00a0After ordering french onion soup for lunch we watched a tender scene play out after a child became separated from her family. \u00a0Stooping down to her level, a police officer gently prodded to determine the whereabouts of her caretaker.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0154\"<\/a>

A lost child needed everyone’s help and received it gladly from both law enforcement and bystanders.<\/p><\/div>\n

Within moments, it wasn’t just the officers helping the little girl, it was restaurant waiters, patrons and bystanders all searching the area to help reunite this little girl. \u00a0Kindness is not a thing of the past. \u00a0 Though it took a child’s tears to wash away apathy and selfishness, God’s presence is always here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Near to Notre Dame is a magnificent church built by King Louis IX (Saint Louis as he is also known) in the middle of the thirteenth century.   This church was built as a private chapel for the King to hold precious Holy Relics of the Passion of the Christ:  the Crown of Thorns and… <\/p>\n

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