Over the past few weeks our family has engaged in many intense badminton battles in the lower yard. But in thinking about the way we play sports, such as badminton or volleyball, I was struck by the aptness of Paul’s analogy regarding the Christian life. Just as we must think ahead and move in a controlled, purposeful manner, when going for the birdie, so also we should live our lives in the service of Christ with an intensity of focus and self control that is even greater than we apply to the toughest volley.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
(1Co 9:24-27)

Announcement: Next week’s theme will be silhouettes & shadows. This is an area of photography that few of us have experimented with but holds great potential for powerful uses of shape and form.