The Slot

No, this is not about one of those machines found in Las Vegas and Reno. This is about a different beast entirely – a slot canyon. The non-technical definition of a slot canyon is a canyon where you can touch both walls at the same time. In the course of my photography journeys, I’ve been in a number of slots. Perhaps the most well-known of these is Lower Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona.

Lower Antelope Canyon - Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona


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Winding my way between the towering, twisting sandstone walls brought to mind what Jesus said about another journey – the journey of faith. In Matthew, Jesus spoke about a choice that each of us has to make between the wide gate (the path of least resistance) and the narrow gate (the slot canyon). (See Matthew 7:13-14.)

In the Old Testament, Joshua had this to say about what gate he would select: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15, NIV)

I don’t think it is stretching things too far to suggest some 21st century applications of what Jesus and Joshua were saying:

Choose what you watch.
Choose who you listen to.
Choose what you think about.
Choose how you invest your time and energy.
Choose what and who you allow to influence you.

What gate have you chosen?