Linger

My friend posted this on her Facebook page. She and her husband served a mission in Spain and they now serve in a singles ward, where Grant serves as the Bishop. (Update - they now serve as mission leaders in the Philippines)

"16 days of spontaneous, non-stop worship happened at the Asbury revival in Kentucky last month. It started with a group of 20 students who stayed after a weekly service to pray, sing and worship.

It’s estimated that over 50,000 people came to participate in this gathering (auditorium capacity 1,500) from around the country and world. It all started with a few who stayed…

I’ve thought about staying, the lingering, and why it matters. In our church, we have what’s called a “linger longer” for our young adults (age 18-30) It gives us time to stay a little longer and get to know others in our congregation.

Back in the early 70’s when I was a young girl, I attended a linger longer with my Aunt Gloria after church. For me it was all about the cupcakes and the sandwiches. I still remember the adults busily setting out food. Then sitting around tables, talking, laughing and listening to each other.

I read this quote in an article and it has been replaying in my mind “Asbury Revivals give permission to the world saying, "it's okay to go beyond the limits of expectations and time. For those who are hungry, there's more. You don't need to shut down the building and close the doors when the church service is over. It's okay to linger, and look what might happen when you do...”

This quote refers more to the spiritual side of why we linger. Whether that’s in the hallway or parking lot or around a table with a plate of food, it’s given me something to think about.

I believe many are looking for Jesus Christ and that’s what happened in Wilmore Kentucky last month. Instead of rushing out of church today let’s look for ways to linger just a little longer "

I responded that  love this ... we don't linger enough! I am a lingerer! When I was young in Canada we used to linger between our church sessions which were held in the morning and at night and when it was District (Stake Conference) we would linger with food between sessions as people came quite a distance for church. We grew to know each other and to love each other. Great memories!