This past weekend I traveled to Hamilton for the Bitterroot Celtic Festival. I went for several reasons. First, when I did my DNA test through National Geographic, I found out that I am 48% Celtic.
It made sense for me to go. Next, my daughters live in Missoula, and this was another excuse to find a mid-point to see them; and have some fun celebrating our heritage. Finally, I had never ventured on Highway 38 or what many call Skalkaho Road.
I have lived here for three years and never found an opportunity. Last Saturday was a moment to experience all three. As I drove along the Skalkaho Pass I made several observations.
If you have never been on the road, you may want to stop reading. Spoilers ahead. First, there were many times I wondered if I was on the right road.
When I encountered a car coming the other direction, it gave me hope. Next, I kept saying to myself, this is a state-maintained highway, correct? Occasionally I would see a mile marker or sign that reminded me, yes, I would eventually make it to Hamilton. Finally, wow, what a beautiful drive.
My mind kept going to scripture. I must be honest with you, I had to look up these passages once the drive was over. I was too busy dodging rocks, trees, cars coming the other way, and a lot of wash-boardy roads.
When travelling along the Skalkaho Road, keep your mind on the road. The first passage that I wanted to reference was Psalm 50.10: “For every wild animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
” There is just something about driving through a mountain forest that makes one go “wow” or be in the awe of creation. Huge mountain peaks and the witness of forest fires (we are not in control of nature). The wash-out of the road — as much faith as we put into the Montana Department of Transportation to maintain that road, it is still at the whim of nature and Psalmist writes that it all belongs to God.
Of course, any drive along the Skalkaho Road needs mention of the Skalkaho Falls. I was fortunate for a drive in August that there was still rushing water. As I looked up and took my obligatory picture, I thought of Psalm 42.
7: “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” After the drive through Highway 38, I came into Hamilton and saw the Bitterroot Mountains. It was another moment of “wow” and “awe.
” Finally, at my destination, I met my family and we enjoyed a bit of our heritage. I even found my clan — Clan Donnachaidh. My great-grandma was a Reed and I have searched for my connection at various gatherings.
Probably the most intriguing moment was when I had lunch. I had authentic Scottish stew called stovie. Not only have I eaten this at home, but I have also made it.
I never ever realized that it came from my Scotch-Irish background. The entire weekend was a moment to be with God. The drive along the pass was a reminder that God is in control.
The falls were truly a wonder. Time with family was a reminder of what is truly important; and learning and celebrating one’s heritage is something one should not take for granted (Psalm 127.3).
When one is having a difficult moment, I believe, God places events in our path that remind us of hope. It may come from a drive along a perilous but beautiful highway. It may be a reminder of where one comes from.
It might be just a brief moment to spend with loved ones. And it may be those slivers where scripture comes to mind (only after the drive is over). God made us in God’s image (Genesis 1.
27) and God loves us so much (John 3.16). It is moments like these that remind us that God has it all and shares it all with us.
Seth L. Leypoldt Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter..
