The tendencies of humanity regarding work are toward one of two extremes- laziness and work avoidance on the one hand or overwork on the other hand. Those who choose laziness find themselves dulled on many levels. Those who choose or subject themselves to overwork are dulled on other levels. The lazy lose any sense of expediency, vibrancy and vigor for living in favor of the dulled, emotionless drone of life without substance. The overworked often lose appreciation for balance, relationship and virtue by burying their lives in activity. The end result is another kind of dullness- insensitivity toward the deeply humane.
Enough books have been written on balance. I don’t need to clog the blogosphere with more words on the matter. But, caught in the cross-fire of discussions on balance is the importance of learning to linger. Balance in itself is only as good as what one does in the balance of life. That is to mean that somewhere between the frantic pace and no pace at all is the need to know when, along life’s journey, one should stop and enjoy the conversation, relationship, scenery or profound thought longer than one generally does. Most conversations and scenes and thoughts drift along at a pace that might be either dismissive or comfortable in length. But, lingering appropriately is to know the difference between needing to remain for a longer while without wearing out your welcome.
I illustrate my point might by noting how we read Scripture. The lazy don’t do much of it at all. Hence they never entertain the joy of the depth and conviction of timeless truth. The vigilant do it as part of a regimen, usually as one accomplishes any task. Oddly the end result is much the same- losing the joy of depth and conviction of timeless truth. Scripture was not written to be read lazily or hastily. So, the lazy never get to the point. The over-taxed never stop long enough to get the point at all. Scripture is best read in rhythm’s that allow you to be exposed to the text and let the text be exposed to you. When done properly, the Scriptures become alive and memorizing texts becomes much easier, since it has become a friend. That is what I mean by learning to linger.
Some relationships are the same way. They are meant to be enjoyed as one walks through life. But, periodically, any good relationship will have times to stop, think and love together and appreciate the person on a deeper level. Those are memorable times. They are times of lingering in the best way.
Yesterday marked the fourth anniversary of the passing of our son, Mitch, from here to heaven. I lingered with family together to remember and appreciate as one does a fine meal. And, looking back on my relationship with him, my most treasured memories of us involved our lingering between two trajectories in life to bask in the glow of the love of God and the enjoyment of one another. I am still learning to linger. But, I now look for the right opportunity to press in, slow down, increase attentativeness and enjoy the depth allowed by a stopped clock and a determination to take as much time as is needed to do what is most important.