I was “misplaced” as I returned to the hotel. Lost is a strong word. I knew I was going in the right direction. I knew the general area. I just wasn’t familiar with the specific street, buildings, people, etc.

My early morning walks in Israel were one of my favorite experiences of the trip. I soaked up the alone time, stretching my muscles as well as my thoughts. Walking every morning was grounding for me. I didn’t set my alarm after the first couple days, because I woke up just before the sun rose, ready to slip my feet into my walking shoes and slip quietly into the promise of the day.

Our final hotel was on the southern edge of Jerusalem, and I was able to walk several miles each morning to the Old City. The first morning wasn’t a problem at all. However, on the way back to the hotel the second morning, I looked around and felt a bit disoriented. I could have kept going, confident I was at least turned in the right direction, but if I was veering too far away from my original path, I could end up in an area I was less familiar with…and spend a lot more time getting back to the hotel, which would make me late for our departure time.

I looked to my left and saw several people walking with their dogs about a block away, so I decided to ask for help. I approached a woman not much older than me, and I was thankful she answered in broken English. She told me I was far away from my hotel (which I already knew. I like to walk quickly, which means I cover a lot of ground.) and how to get to my hotel (which ended up being a direct path from the street I’d been on…just another route between the hotel and Old City). But she told me one more thing. “You’re missing the most beautiful walking view of the city,” as she swept her hand behind her to an area called the Promenade. Always looking for fantastic walking views, I told her I’d try to come back tomorrow. Right then, I just wanted to be sure I could get back to the hotel…and with enough time to spare.

I checked with several people along the route just to confirm I was on the right path toward the hotel, but the woman hadn’t steered me wrong. As quickly as I was walking, I still appreciated this new path through a beautiful neighborhood. Cascading flowers from balconies, children of all ages walking to bus stops to get to school, men and women leaving their homes for the day. It was quiet, yet full of the sounds of everyday routines.

As I got closer to the hotel, I made sure to take in all the visuals of the area, so I’d be able to return in the opposite direction the next morning.

Over the remaining days of the trip, I went to the Promenade every morning. The woman who helped me was right: it had a breathtaking view of the Old City, Mount of Olives, and more. The path wound back and forth down (and up!) so my perspective change with every step. I could still walk to the Old City every day, but now I was able to experience more details of Jerusalem along the way.

I took two friends (at a slower pace) and my camera the last day so I could share the vantage point with them – and you…

I’m so glad I was misplaced.

When have you been uncertain, anxious, or fearful…and yet when time passes and you gain another perspective, you appreciate the process – or at least the outcome?

We can’t be found without being lost.

I am as happy over your promises as if I had found a great treasure. Psalm 119:162