SAMANTHA ELLEY writes about why the Rocky Mountains are such a special space for her…
The last time I ever went snow-skiing, I was lucky enough to borrow some second-hand skis and snow gear to whoosh down the long slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, US. I was not the world’s greatest skier, having learnt on the slopes of Australia’s Mount Kosciuszko, but I could stand upright and stay that way until the end of a run. Don’t get me going over jumps though. My one attempt was not pretty.
It seems like an eternity now, but this is not the reason why they are so memorable to me. Even though the Rocky Mountains have the most awesome skiing conditions for lovers of snow, they were significant to me for their stature and presence, or in simple terms, just for being there.
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado, US. PICTURE: Peter Pryharski/Unsplash
Known also as the Rockies, this major mountain range is the largest mountain system in North America. It stretches from the northernmost part of western Canada all the way down to New Mexico in south-western United States.
My personal experience with this outstanding geographical phenomenon was the small section that crosses through the state of Colorado.
“To come to such a beautiful area, where the magnificence of God could not be ignored, was truly a privilege and a blessing. I could concentrate on He who is – Lord of all – and offer back the remnants of my faith to Him, to see what He could make of it.”
I lived in Arvada, north-west of the mile high city of Denver for three months and every day when I would go outside, there was the most panoramic view of the Rockies in the background. These majestic mountains were the backdrop to every activity, whether I went out for coffee with friends, did my grocery shopping, walked around the nearby lake or just stood in awe of such a magnificent sight.
The 30 highest peaks of the Rockies are located in Colorado, so no surprise there.
When I arrived in the United States, I was at an anguished turning point in my life. I had left behind a compromised lifestyle in Australia that saw my relationship with God hanging by a thread. I needed to focus on what I knew was important to me, but relationships and worldly noise had become more than just a distraction. I was losing who I wanted to be and who I knew God had created me to be.
To come to such a beautiful area, where the magnificence of God could not be ignored, was truly a privilege and a blessing. I could concentrate on He who is – Lord of all – and offer back the remnants of my faith to Him, to see what He could make of it.
He did more than a patch job. It was a bumpy ride. There were many tears, surrendering of wills and repentance, but my faith was renewed and every day I couldn’t help but sing quietly in my soul the words of Psalm 121.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.”
I didn’t just have hills to lift my eyes to, I had mountains, baby! Those 30 peaks of the magnificent Rocky Mountain range felt like they were created just so I could contemplate the magnitude of our Maker.
While I am sure I am not the only one they were created for or the only one who appreciates this amazing geographical feature, I know I found peace and restoration through this part of God’s creation.
So while the snow boarders and the skiers flock to the Rocky Mountains for their annual winter fix, enjoying the peak snow conditions and amazing runs, I will always be thankful for their presence which to me reflected God’s presence and steered me back into it.
