Linger Longer

“Six days before the Passover…a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor…in the home of Simon the Leper. Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.” John 12:1,2 Mark 14:3   

 

Almost fifteen years ago, our family made one of our most important purchases ever—a dining table.  Since this surface would be the sole site for all breakfasts, lunches, and suppers—simple or gourmet, casual or fancy, with a few or with the crowd—it had to be big, beautiful, and durable.  At last, I found what I was looking for, but the search had only just begun because the perfect table demanded perfect chairs.  Two requirements must be met—no cushions and ultra-comfy.  The first was for practicality (cloth chairs and children don’t mix); the second for hospitality.  We wanted family and friends to linger longer round the table laughing, talking, and listening, so we made sure the seats wouldn’t cut the conversations short.  After multiple stores and many “sittings”, my husband lowered himself into a fine piece of Amish furniture and declared it the one.  

Our dream came true.   Day after day, year after year, meal after meal has been served at that table.  Countless hours have passed with the five of us alone or joined by others sharing life and love without haste. Long after the last bite, we’re often still at the table nourishing our souls and spirits more than our stomachs.   Good stuff happens when we gather round the table and stay for a while.

“Six days before the Passover…a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor…in the home of Simon the Leper. Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.”  What a sacred scene.  Jesus, Lazarus, Simon, and several more sharing food and fellowship around the table.  None were in a hurry to eat and run—so much so that they weren’t standing or even sitting but were reclining.  Jesus was the center of honor and attention, and the rest had set aside the demands of the day and the weariness of work to totally relax with Him.  They weren’t rushed.  They weren’t restless.  They were reclining with Jesus just enjoying His presence.

As the slower pace of summer ends and full schedule of fall begins (back to school tomorrow), I find myself already trying to figure out how to recline in the midst of the rush.   My spirit needs more than a quick bite of the Bible each day.  Snacks are great, but they should supplement meals—not be the major form of nourishment.   Without doubt, I need to linger lounger round the table, savoring Scripture and just enjoying God’s presence.  

At our family table, the best interactions often take place after we’ve been there a while, and the same is so with our souls.  The “verse of the day” is good, but we usually find the richest fare after we’ve been listening (reading God’s Word) and talking (praying about we’ve been reading) for more than two minutes.  It is in this consistent conversation that our relationship with God flourishes, our amazement increases, and our passion soars.  Yes, we interact with God throughout the day as we see His hand and need His strength, but those times of recline—not rushed and not restless—are essential to our spiritual lives.  They are how we know Him.  They are how we grow in Him.  And they fill us up so we can overflow to others.

Let’s not settle for a snack when our Father has prepared a feast.  When we take the time to dine, we will find that Jesus becomes our true delight. Linger longer round the table and fall in love with the Lord.