Lost in the Woods (and I’m writing a new book!)

Written on 09 September 2025.

I got lost in the woods this weekend. 

The kind of lost where you’re turned around and around, every tree and downed branch looks the same. Lost in not knowing where you came from or where you’re going. Lost in not having your phone with you, nor water or snacks. Lost staring at your location in the woods and not knowing which way to go.  

It started out like any other walk in the woods — with a friend, walking on a path, the sounds of crickets and birds providing a chorus, leaves crunching underfoot, and purple and blue wildflowers dotting the ground. My friend and I were walking and talking on her property in the early morning, both of us feeling the weight of being human: worried about our friends and family, refreshing the news too much, and unceasing prayers for children who lost their lives too soon to gun violence. 

With every step we shared and listened, holding the uncertainty and discomfort for one another. We weren’t alone in acknowledging the heaviness around us. I noticed that with every step I felt lighter, more relaxed. 

Somehow, along the way, we realized we were on a different path. A path that was soon coming to a dead end. Our options were to go back the way we came, or forge a new way. We chose the latter and began climbing over branches. We had some moments in silence to see if we could figure out where to go, but mostly we kept talking and making our own way. My friend’s presence kept me from being worried, we weren’t alone. I trusted that if we kept walking, we’d find a way back. Finally we made it to a dry creek bed that would lead us to the correct path to her home. But not without some ducking and crawling and walking on rocks. 

If you’ve ever been lost and then see the opening to where your destination is, you know the relief and joy felt. When we made it to the path and saw the light breaking through the overgrowth, we smiled in acknowledgement: we made it.  

Maybe you’re feeling lost right now — with a recent diagnosis, worrying about the state of our country, fear at sending your children to school, not feeling connected to friends or family. Perhaps you’re walking with someone who is in need of a friend. Wherever you find yourself these days, may you keep walking forward, each step a prayer.  

Being lost in the woods reminded me of why I keep coming back to blessings, why they mean so much to me, and why I share them with others. The world we’re embarking on every single day is not always safe or nice, it’s not without missed steps and turns that have us going in circles. 

But we go out into the world with the reminder that God goes with us. 

So take one step and then another. 
Reach out to a friend and share your sadness. 
Trust that wherever you walk, you’re not alone.  

It’s with this story and reminder of the power of blessings that I share the news I’ve kept close the last few months: I’m writing another book! This time it’s a book of blessings! It’s also a book that takes the lens of pilgrimage and walking and how putting one foot in front of the other is its own sort of blessing. This book offers blessings for our callings, those times we’re lost, the daily joys we experience, the challenges we face, and more. I hope to not shy away from the hurt that life can throw at us, but rather lift up the power in moving forward with hope. 

Over the next few months I’ll be writing, revising, blessing, and praying. 

Thank you for the words of support for the blessings I’ve shared in the past. Your encouragement has given me the courage to believe my words matter and that we can never have enough blessings.

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