When I was 16, I had the unforgettable experience of living with a French family in the Bourgogne region of France for the summer. During this adventure, I replaced my fast-paced American habits for the French joie de vivre. As I determined to swap hurried efficiency with peaceful intentionality, it soon became easy to practice truly enjoying God’s beautiful heart showcased in His wondrous creation. 

I remember taking a walk around a quaint village just outside of Dijon with my host mother. Right around the corner from La Place Publique, was the local soap shop—a place which I was MORE than eager to discover! Upon entering, I was immediately impressed by how the French elevate soap making to a whole new level. This culture definitely prides itself in simple pleasures, or petit plaisirs…