Versailles is rich in history, embedded with many key points in history. Notably, the beginning of the French Revolution, the end of the First World War, and my favorite - the spot of the first hot air balloon. Before going to Versailles, us girls watched Marie-Antoinette, a playful movie retelling of her life at the palace. The extravagant, manicured lifestyle of the royal court was nauseating to watch. I have felt this feeling after Christmas when I feel like I have too many gifts and I am stuffed with dinner and desserts. I wonder many things as I walk down the pompous hallways dripping with chandeliers, having been to Zambia, Africa and walked amongst the straw huts. I cannot help but wonder why the smiles of the villagers in Zambia contrast the grim portraits of the royal court of Versailles. From an artist’s perspective, the beauty of Versailles is indeed glorious. Coming to Paris, the question on my heart is how does an artist balance concerning herself with outward appearance yet also maintaining the soul connection with the Lord? 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Being in a beautiful place like Versailles heightens my tension between focusing on what is seen and unseen. I believe the spirit-empowered leader and artist must share frequent, vulnerable conversation with the Lord. The artist must create a sacred, unseen place to align with the Lord. Perhaps with these roots, they can create beautiful things, even reflecting the glory of the Lord in doing so. These thoughts are a culmination of this entire semester, processing the beauty of Paris and my role as an artist… but first, a daughter of God.