Some journeys begin long before the sun rises.
Midnight is an unusual time to begin a journey. When my alarm sounded in the quiet darkness, gently playing Modeh Ani by Elana Jagoda, I had the fleeting thought that no one should have to wake at such an hour. Yet in that still moment, before the world had stirred, there was also something sacred about it. The house was silent, the sky outside deep and indigo, and the day ahead promised miles of open road.
Before grabbing our fur baby and piling into the van, I paused to recite the Traveler’s Prayer, asking Hashem to guide our path and watch over the journey ahead.
“There are two ways to live. You can live as if nothing is a miracle. You can live as if everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein.
Tranquility filled the air as we drove away from the luminous cityscape and into the dark countryside. The sky stretched above us in deep indigo, scattered with brilliant white stars. In that quiet hour, the road felt almost sacred, as if the journey itself were inviting us to slow down and notice the wonder around us.
After hours on the road, we arrived, and the joy of being together began. There was warm conversation and the musical laughter of my nieces as they buried themselves in piles of leaves outside. We wandered through cozy coffee shops, browsed local stores, and admired glowing lights in a quaint downtown. There was excellent food and even better company. Old and new faces surrounded us, and the hours filled with he kind of laughter that becomes a memory long before you realize it.
Just before we were scheduled to return home, a winter storm rolled in. For a moment, my nerves stirred, but I quickly remembered my faith. I felt a quiet confidence that our journey home would be successful. Despite the heavy snow and bitter cold, the roads remained clear, and we arrived home safely.
As I reflect on that journey, I’m reminded that when we place God at the center of our lives, the small miracles around us begin to reveal themselves.
“The beginning of our happiness lies in the understanding that life without wonder is not worth living. What we lack is not a will to believe but a will to wonder.” — Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel.
Throughout life, we embark on many journeys. Some are literal, while others are metaphorical, but they are all essential chapters in the broader journey we call life. Having Hashem’s guidance helps us feel supported and connected, something deeply important for our spiritual well-being.
It is during these journeys that we are invited to notice the beauty in the details along the way. When we connect with the Divine, we begin to see how Hashem quietly weaves a tapestry of wonder through our lives. Each passing moment becomes another opportunity to pause in gratitude.
The traditional Jewish Traveler’s Prayer (Tefilat HaDerech) says:
“May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and bring us to our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace. May You rescue us from every foe and ambush along the way, and from all manner of punishments that gather upon the earth. May You send blessing upon our work and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May You hear the sound of our humble request, for You are a God Who hears prayer. Blessed are You, Lord, Who hears prayer.”
As we move through the many journeys life brings—whether across the country or simply through the quiet moments of an ordinary day—may we remember to pause and notice the wonder around us. When we walk through life with faith and open eyes, the small miracles that once seemed hidden begin to reveal themselves.
Thank you for reading this reflection. If you are interested in learning more about my Jewish journey, follow the link below.
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