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Linger a bit longer ...

A devotion on waiting on the Lord

My husband and I have a favorite place we love to go in California. It’s a small, waterfront town with beautiful beaches, exquisite seafood and excellent golf courses. What we love most though is the quaint hotel we like to stay at each time. We feel like this place is the “real deal” as far as what a vacation is for us: rest, relaxation, good food, shopping, comfortable accommodations, beautiful sights and friends.

We have become friends with Dr. Freeman and his sister Elaine who own and operate the hotel. Their small hotel is full of eclectic touches, beautiful art, fresh floral arrangements, and each morning we are greeted with a warm homemade pastry Elaine makes for each guest.
 
Elaine meets us at our corner table each morning with coffee and packed pastries, but what we long for most at our favorite place is the conversation and authenticity she greets us with each time we visit. At the end of each conversation, Elaine will remind us, “Friends, linger today.” 

Elaine lingers with the patrons at the hotel each morning by sitting and engaging with us – and always encouraging us to linger throughout our day. The advice has become expected, but I truly treasure the word linger and wait expectantly each day for her reminder. 

During our last visit, I asked her, “What does it mean to linger?” She responded quickly and with excitement, “To stay in place longer than necessary.”

Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Lingering means to wait, to stay, remain, endure, last, keep on, persist and continue. Read those again. Do you recognize them? Many of these words used to describe linger are the embodiment of faith, hope and love found in 1 Corinthians 13 and radiate the character of Christ. 

What does it mean for you to linger? How does lingering help you to know Jesus more and radiate his character to others around you?

Linger today, my friends. Find time to linger in the abundance of Jesus and seek rest, hope and a life full of joy in him. Linger just a little bit longer .. and know that in the midst you will know him more each step of the way. 

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” – Lamentations 3:25

Written by Reagan Maldonado, volunteer engagement coordinator in East Texas for Buckner International.

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