Call me a mountain man, well a mountain man who lives in the city, likes to shower every day, and keep a clean shaven face. But call me a mountain man anyway. My heart swells at the sight of the Rocky Mountains. Maybe it’s because I lived in Vail, Colorado for seven years, or maybe it’s because I’m a Colorado native who grew up in hot, flat, Oklahoma. My love for the mountains just must be in my blood.
My family has always held the mountains in a special place. Back in the 90’s when we were still living in flatlander Tulsa, Oklahoma, my family went on a mission trip to Costa Rica. As we were driving through the cloud forest in the mountains someone mentioned Psalm 121, you know, the one about mountains and how awesome they are and how our help comes from them. Ever since then I’ve had a strong connection between God and the mountains.
I came home from Costa Rica with a love for the mountains in my heart and a passion for God in my soul. That short week is why I eventually moved to Guatemala. Heck, I even lived in the mountains while in Guatemala. There’s just something about the mountains.
A couple of weeks ago something major happened for my family in the mountains. My sister, Emmy, decided to have my dad baptize her in Piny Lake.
Emmy led our family over to Piney Lake as the sun crept over the majestic Gore Range. The morning was warm, but the water was cold. My dad spoke confidently, saying:
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm —
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Emmy turned her eyes to the mountains and made a statement that she would always look to the Lord for help. The Gore Range and Piney Lake will never be the same for me. When I think of them I will think of how great my God is and how He saves us.
What do you see when you look up to the mountains? I’m always reminded of how much God loves me. That is why the mountains always win.
Adventure With Brendan 
