Pikes Peak

By Stephen Leonard

In the Spring of 1953, my family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. I finished first grade there, but I have never forgotten my first-grade teacher for just a few months of that year, Mrs. Fletcher. 

The city sits immediately at the foot of Pikes Peak, the famous rocky peak that sits prominently by itself smack dab in the middle of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 

This is a sight ingrained in my vision from an early age, which will never be removed or forgotten: Pikes Peak covered in snow or bare as the seasons rotate, looming over my homes in this marvelous city, every morning, day, and night, 365 days a year. You can never take it for granted, nor weary of the view, and I never did. 

I understand the intention and meaning of the Psalmist in Psalm 121, because I have lived it in my own time. I lift my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help! My help comes from the LORD, who made these “hills” that hold my vision! Thus my eyes could draw from this splendid view the promise that the LORD will never leave me or forsake me. Who says we can’t see God? 

No, I am not a pantheist! God created the universe! He is not the universe! God is God in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is not a rock, tree, mountain, or Sun. But I can look to Pikes Peak and be reminded of its Maker in many ways. Many reminders/memories of God’s amazing attributes: 

His constancy. His unchangeableness. His beauty. His power. His foundation. His awesomeness. His variety. His sanctity. His formidableness. His eternity. His stability in storms. His height above the clouds. His view as far as the eye can see. Every morning and evening, He is there. Yes, His promise is always firm: I will never leave you nor forsake you!

Pikes Peak is no substitute for my God! But she is a poignant reminder to me personally and all of my life: my God reigns!

Encouragement