Lingering
Lingering. Oh, how I love the sound of this word. Images of slowing down and sitting still calmly drift into my mind. I picture myself seated quietly in perfect peace and satisfaction; not wanting to leave the person or place that has so captured my attention.
Recently, I was zooming with a small group of treasured friends, when our allotted time to discuss a book we’re reading together came to an end. We scheduled our next meeting date before two of them dashed off the call, eager to dive into their next activity. But one chose to stay and chat with me a little bit longer. We lingered over a rich conversation, catching up on each others lives. We shared stories and experiences that awakened us to the working of the Holy Spirit in our daily activities.
My husband and I host a small group from our church in our home twice a month. At the end of our scheduled time together, we often find our guests lingering just a little bit longer, discussing details of their lives and enjoying the company of fellow pilgrims.
And who doesn’t love to linger with a friend over a cup of hot tea or coffee in a cute, quaint coffee shop? Once again, meaningful conversations filled with affirmations and confirmations of God’s will and direction for our lives fill our hearts in life-giving ways. Every time I linger with friends, I want to linger longer.
Lingering with friends reminds me that God is always inviting us to linger with Him. In the story of Martha and Mary, Mary chooses to linger at the feet of Jesus, while Martha remains distracted by busily preparing a meal. Frustrated, Martha runs to Jesus and asks Him to tell Mary to help her. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled by many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).
Don’t get me wrong. We love our Marthas. Their gifts of hospitality and service are expressions of their love for Jesus and others. But there’s something to be said about intentionally setting aside time to quiet ourselves and welcome God into our hearts. Warmly embraced by His profound love, we find ourselves craving to linger longer in His presence.
Lingering in solitude and silence is not an easy discipline to learn. Don’t be surprised by the resistance and distractions you might initially feel. Do I really want to do this when I don’t know what to expect? Once you finally get settled into a comfortable chair, your frequent memory loss will suddenly rally, and you remember you need to take the meat you’re having for dinner out of the freezer. Oh yeah, and add fabric softener to your grocery list. And when is Aunt Carols birthday? Is it on the 18th or 19th?
Perhaps you might want to have a pad of paper nearby to jot down any distractions before turning your attention back to God. And above all, give yourself a lot of grace, particularly if you’re new to this practice.
Stick with it and ask God to help you recenter your scattered senses. Ask God to awaken you to His presence. Take long, slow, deep breaths. Release the things that you’re anxious about and with gratitude and humility, receive what He wants to give you. Then return to your life and take what He gave you out into the world to make it a better place.
In a world where we can be anything, may we choose to be a Mary, lingering at the feet of Jesus.
What About You?
What value do see in lingering at the feet of Jesus?
How can you intentionally set aside some time to practice this discipline?
What resistance might you have towards participating in this discipline?
What would motivate you to engage in this practice?
Journal your experience.
