Look to the Hills!

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.“

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Walking on ‘Whistler‘

It has been a great pleasure throughout life to walk in the mountains at home and abroad. The above pictures were taken on our 50th wedding anniversary when we had a special visit to Canada and Alaska. And yes, we used the chair lifts, which took us onto the 7200 feet summit. The notice which said ‘Matthew’s Traverse’ could be a description of my life as I look back. Sometimes on the flat, sometimes a rocky climb and at other times an easier downhill walk.

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Climbing in Scotland and the Lake District of England

When it comes to hill walking and climbing in Scotland, then you are spoiled for choice, and the English Lake District is just across the border if you want a change of scenery. Above are some pictures taken over the years.

What is it about hill walking and climbing that attracts so many thousands of enthusiasts around the world every year, every month, week and day? Certainly the joy of being in the fresh air, the challenge of the climb, and of the weather!, with the wind, sun and the rain in your face! The sound of a mountain burn or waterfall, the smell of the heather, flowers and moss, and the sense of achievement. For me it also provides a sense of perspective, as I consider the vastness and beauty of God’s amazing creation displayed here on planet earth. I so relate to the song quoted above (Psalm 121) sang by pilgrims three thousand years ago as they made their way up to the mountain of the Lord, to worship and honour their creator and redeemer. The very next psalm says ‘Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. That is where the tribes go up—the tribes of the LORD—to praise the name of the LORD’.

Well, if climbing hills has been part of my life since boyhood, so has this psalm. My father would gather us six children around him with my mother, and read this psalm to us and pray during the ‘air raids’ of the last world war, and also in times of family crisis. You might say it has become part of my ‘DNA”! So if you are fearful, in trouble or in despair I recommend a read of this psalm before you go to bed.

I’ve also had the priviledge of walking on top of the mountains the pilgrims are singing about. You might not think of Jerusalem as being on top of a mountain, but in fact it sits at over 2500 feet above sea level! The first time we were there the sleet and snow were blowing down across the hills.

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Jerusalem

And as we approach Easter I’m reminded that Jesus the Lord, not only walked here, but died here, and arose from the dead on this mountain. A close friend of mine died just a few weeks ago, he was a lovely solo singer. I always remember him singing this hymn with such pathos about these historic events. It goes like this:

Up Calvary’s mountain one dreadful morn
Walked Christ my Saviour, weary and worn
Facing for sinners, death on the cross
That He might save them from endless loss

Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer
Seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading
Blind and unheeding, dying for me.

How good to know this Saviour and friend. Jesus is still inviting all of us to come to Him.

Finally, writing this wants me to look out my boots in anticipation of the end of lockdown, after that all I need is a little more puff’ 🙂

Matthew