I stopped to consider the group before me and realized what I was seeing was indeed far better than the pressures of social life in schools in America. Here was a group like so many others I had seen in France, happy to be together, always hunting each other up when some new plan for fun came along, but doing these things as a group. There was no pressure to have a date. In fact, even when a few couples did start to match up together later in the year, they still remained with the group and only broke off to be alone later in the evening. This allowed freedom to relax and enjoy relationships.

Despite our Thanksgiving feast, we all decided we were hungry again as we returned to our cars a few hours later. Since the only college cafeteria open that particular night was not one we cared for, we were quick to accept Christian's suggestion that we all go to "Le Macumba" together (a combination discotheque and restaurant). This prompted lively discussion as each one suggested his choice of a favorite bistro, and no one seemed to notice Dominique fall in step beside me and slip his hand around mine.

Though French student life differs in many ways from its American counterpart, there is definitely one point which they have in common. Fun and food seem to go together! Our meal at the bistro included the usual amount of story-telling and entertainment provided by those who present themselves as the group clowns. Laughter and conversation eventually yielded to the pulsating beats of the music from the dance band. As most people traveled onto the dance floor, Dominique and I slipped quietly outside into the stillness of the cool night air.

Neither spoke, both enjoying the closeness of walking arm-in-arm under the trees. A soft sea breeze brushed past us. I noticed a willow tree, rarely seen in southern France, and moved beneath it to watch its graceful branches sway as they traced the passing of the wind. I looked up to point out the beauty of the full moon shining through the branches, and Dominique gently pulled me toward him. Distant voices and discotheque music...trees, moon, and soft sea breezes faded in his embrace.

Alone in my room later, my memory played back the words from my Father: "I know the plans I have for you...plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). I allowed the words only a fleeting moment in my thoughts. I wanted to think more about the softness, the sweet, melting touch of Dominique's lips on mine.

• • • • • • •

Those moments of glory on stage, the great scholastic achievement, that sought-after promotion at work, the first moments when you actually move into the newer, bigger dream-home, the first time we "get away with" cheating on our expense report or tax return form, the first time we steal and don't get caught, the first time we lie and others believe us, the first time he or she returns your lingering look, or smile, or touch, or the first romantic embrace may bring warning thoughts from God. But, you and I are terribly capable of ignoring His words and the pricks to our conscience if we're already caught up in the emotional rush of "Wanting More."

Emotional desires to be loved, intellectual desires for greatness and success, material desires to own the things we want, and physical desires left unchecked can be so easily and naturally fulfilled. The Bible calls Satan "the prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2). The title simply refers to the fact that God has temporarily given him the right and power to move around among men here on earth and make things happen. He will open doors and move people into place in order to orchestrate his own plan for your life and mine. But, don't forget...