Linger Longer

 by Macy Johnson

“When the Samaritans came to Jesus,

they urged him to stay with them,

and he stayed two days.”

(John 4:40 NIV)

 

There is a street named Linger Longer Road in the center of my community’s lake area. I often wondered how a street could be named for what I thought was a colloquial saying. I believe the meaning behind Linger Longer Road is to encourage visitors to remain in the resorts and relax. When I cross that street at a very busy intersection I am tempted to laugh out loud. The cars and trucks that speed up to cut in front of others are not about to linger longer on Linger Longer Road!

 

I remember the story of a crotchety, old gentleman who was asked to name his street. The small Alabama town paved his dirt road with asphalt. The street was named with the first letter of each word of his unexpected response: “I’m Mad, Please Yourself” became IMPY Road. At the end of IMPY road is This Ain’t It Street!

 

God nudged me one afternoon after I left a weekly Bridge game. Our table had finished all the rounds and began to pack up the supplies. A few tables were still engaged in conversation and continued to play. I thought, “No reason to hang around,” so I stealthily slipped out the side door.

 

When I got home, after a long conversation in the car with the Holy Spirit, I realized I need to linger longer at gatherings. I need to stay and help with the clean-up so I can be a blessing and enjoy the casual company of others. I vowed to stop in the future and visit with friends and family members, no matter how rushed I feel.

 

I will look forward to lingering longer with others in God’s presence. I hope you will, too!