“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” (Philippians 1:3-5)

Highway 24 runs east and west through Colorado Springs and Leadville, Colorado. It snakes through canyons, bobs over a couple of passes, and follows a stretch of the Arkansas River. Because it is mainly an uphill drive, the going is rather slow. I have often made the 135-mile trip to serve as a guest speaker for a Leadville church.

One week I persuaded a Christian golfing buddy to accompany me on the drive. The prospect of our playing at Leadville’s Mt. Massive Golf Course, North America’s highest golf course, was the irresistible bait. Who wouldn’t want to see how far a golf ball travels at 10,000 feet?

The enjoyable conversation Tom and I shared on the drive made the trip seem like a jaunt across town. We talked about the Lord’s blessings, the gift of family, and, of course, golf.

Maintaining good fellowship enhances life’s journey. It lifts our spirits and brings us joy whether we travel over life’s peaks or through its valleys.