In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance towards redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14

Thanks so much everybody for your positive responses to Friday’s collection of photographs from the bird sanctuary – Sylvan Heights Bird Park. I am particularly grateful – and a little amused – at a couple of the comments suggesting my photographs remind you of National Geographic. With all due respect, those folk represent a whole other level of the photographic arts. Besides, those guys actually know how to use the editing menu on their digital cameras!

But I absolutely had a lot of fun shooting, and I can’t wait to go back with my new lens.

For today, rather than skip yesterday’s “Photo Friday” altogether, I will post this week’s collection of random images. It’s an interesting selection, from the Calvary Episcopal churchyard next door, to the Nahalah Presbyterian Church over near Scotland Neck, to the rare opportunity to share a photograph of our international grandson, Mr. T., looking out onto his world from Andrew and Alicia’s high-rise condo in Manama, Bahrain.

Nahalah, by the way (that’s נחלה in the Hebrew) means heritage or inheritance. The scripture, from Ephesians, talks about our life with God as being a kind of inheritance, that we are now a part of God’s people.

It fits in with my concept of salvation as this opportunity we have to join in with God’s initiatives here on Earth. Inheritance always comes with commensurate responsibility, especially regarding “the family business” of extending that same invitation to all people, in all times, because God has plans and God’s plans involve us.

The churchyard at Calvary holds endless fascination. I especially enjoy walking through there late at night, with the effect of the landscaping lights. The somewhat abstract photograph, taken at distance, is the view from an upstairs window in our Tarboro home.

One night I plan to leave Max at the house, bring my tripod, and stake out some very specific perspectives.

Again, it’s the interplay of light and shadow that fascinates me so much. Color requires light, but shape is dependent on shadow. We need the whole balance if we are to see anything at all.

Right now we live in a world where shadow seems to have the upper hand, and light is at a premium. Our calling as Christians is clear. “You are the light of the world,” Jesus said. “A city built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5). We are called to shine.

Along the way I plan to capture – to illuminate – images that give joy and also, if I present them properly, cause us to think.

Peace to all as we head into this weekend. Take time to worship; I hope – and pray – that I will see you in church – DEREK