It happened somewhere between the pineapple and the carrots, me standing over a cutting board, lost in thought, slicing my way through dinner prep. I had been reading about Exodus that morning, the sweeping drama of rescue and wandering and provision, and now here I was, covered in sticky juice and questions. Who am I in this story? Who have I been?

There’s the leaving, of course. We all have one, don’t we? That moment when we walk away from what we know, even when it is broken because we believe there might be more. I’ve had a few of those: leaving the classroom, leaving certainty, leaving behind versions of myself I had outgrown.

Then there’s the wilderness. The space between what was and what’s next. It is dry sometimes, repetitive, humbling. Manna again? But it is also the place where I’ve seen miracles: friendships I didn’t expect, creativity that returned, provision that felt like grace wrapped in everyday clothes. I have wandered, yes. But I have not wandered alone. And just like the Israelites, I have been forgetful. I’ve grumbled. I’ve longed to go back to what was, even when what was nearly broke me. But the cloud still moves. The fire still leads.

The Exodus story isn’t just ancient history. It is a mirror. A map. A reminder that we are all in process. We are all being led from bondage to freedom, from not enough to abundance. And even in the messy middle, there is presence. There is promise.

If you are in the middle of your own Exodus, I hope you hear this: you’re not lost. You’re being led. The path may feel strange and the scenery may be unfamiliar, but you’re not alone in this story. You are in good company, with ancient pilgrims and modern-day wanderers, all of us learning how to follow a pillar of cloud and fire, one small obedient step at a time.

And while you walk through your own wilderness, may I recommend something warm, sweet, and just a little spicy?

Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Chicken
& Pineapple Stir Fry

What You Will Need:

What You Will Need To Do:

1. Heat oven to 500°F. Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray.
2. Slice pineapple, bell pepper, and chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Add chicken, pineapple, carrots, and bell pepper. Gently toss to coat.
4. Arrange everything in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.
5. Bake 14–16 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
6. Serve over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

What part of the Exodus story are you living right now?
What are you walking away from and toward?

Let’s talk.

Gracefully yours,

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