Mount Washington located in the Presidential Range of Mountains in New Hampshire is part of the White Mountain National Park and has the distinction of being the highest Peak in the northeastern United States.
Mount Washington is in the category of magnificent, awesome, mind boggling and spectacular. It has the reputation of being one of the most erratic weather places on earth. Freezing temperatures have been known to reach a minus 59 degrees (January 5, 1871). The mountain is known for its 96.9 inches of rainfall annually and 280 inches of snowfall yearly. On the afternoon of April 12, 1934 the wind was clocked at 231 mph.
The Mountain is accessible by car, cog train or hiking all with their risks. The view from the summit is spectacular covering 6 States, and on a rare clear day you can see the Atlantic Ocean 87 miles away.
Gloria and I just happened to be at the summit of Mount Washington on one of those rare clear days and we did see the Atlantic Ocean. A view from the mountain top, Mount Washington or any other mountain is far more exciting and edifying than say, a view from midway up the mountain or even lower.
Our experience at Mount Washington has helped me get perspective on life. Life sometimes throws extremes at us like those of a mountain. Life is unpredictable and not always easily navigated. Our understanding of life is rarely as clear as we would like for it to be. And life is certainly not without risks.
The Psalmist said, “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord. The Psalmist, you see, saw in the hills risk from enemies who hid there, danger, erratic sights and uncontrollable conditions. So what did he do? He looked above and beyond the mountains for his help – help from the Lord.
You and I need that help which comes from above – help that has a clearer vision than we can possible have down in the valley of trouble. We have the assurance that God watches over us. He sees our situation. He knows our need and he is ready and willing to watch over our lives. Let Psalm 121 guide your thoughts and lift your spirit this week.
In His Love,
Charles
