Oh, do I have a question for each of us, yes…myself included. And it’s an important one. It’s simple yet when truly grasped, it’s a life changing one.

Might we all be missing out in the name of efficiency?

In our human minds, I think we feel like it’s the more productive way. What can I squeeze in in those 24 so that I can feel productive, accomplished and happy? And don’t get me wrong, I can be most guilty of this as I am an extreme organizer. I allot my time and plan accordingly so I am “fitting it all in”. And that’s great! …at times. Productivity isn’t a bad thing but the constancy of accomplishing can sometimes cause us to miss the real moments. And just as those old beautiful porcelain dolls were called, they are such ‘precious moments’.

The moment is the person and the people. Just like that baby of mine (now a man!) that was once a toddler wanting to play and laugh and cuddle while all the while the laundry built-up and dishes were needing to be done. It wasn’t about the chores. It was about that beautiful boy that needed my time. Thankfully, I was able to see that when my son was younger, knowing full well that my neatness, my clean house desire and my plans should not and did not supersede what was really important. And that was the heart of my child. The smile on his face, the laughter and his joy as we played. The running, the chasing, the cuddling, the quiet moments and all in between…that’s where I learned to linger.

This culture is all about fitting it all in, the quick fix, the immediate satisfaction while we miss the very existence of what’s most vital. A good example is GPS. It takes you the quickest route but what if I told you that the long way home was better? What if I told you that the best treasures are found in unexpected places?

How about when taking that walk you planned and on a particular day, instead of keeping up with the workout, you notice an older woman on a bench. So you take a moment to break and sit alongside her. She may have a beautiful story or some wisdom to instill. Or better yet, she may need someone to listen or tell her about Jesus, the One Who loves her most.

What I’ve learned in my several decades is that the fast way might just mean that you’re missing out. In this world of ours, for some crazy reason, instantaneous is more desirable. But I have to ask myself and you may want to as well. What am I experiencing in the running? And is it the most beneficial? Or actually, instead of asking, why don’t we just tell ourselves…

Be present. Linger longer. Remain. Bide for a bit. Tarry.

No matter which synonym you or I may choose….I think the the concept is the same. Enjoy what you’re doing and where you are at in every single moment. I crave such days. The slow down, taking it all in and yes, and being good company. That’s real living.

The afternoon breaks, the weekly sabbaths and enjoying the twilight hours are just a few examples of absorbing the very essence of a slow down. The productive days are full of accomplishments and may be even meaningful. But the pausing and taking it all in holds much more significance. The balance of it all is the answer.

There are some bittersweet moments that I experience as I look over my shoulder. It’s in those times that I recognize where I should have slowed down for a wee bit and stayed for a while. Do you have those moments too? I’m sure we all do. We need to slow down. Slowing down is vital to experience God. Because, if we’re in a constant cycle of motion….will we then see and hear those around us, especially those we love and who need us the most?

We just celebrated my mom’s 75th birthday. And one of the things I love most about her is her heart for others. We may be hustling and bustling around, but it never stops her from taking a moment to reach another soul.. and I’ve learned so much from her example. It isn’t about buying that shirt or running into the next store or grabbing our favorite products but instead, it’s more about the people that are walking among us and are all around us that matter most. There’s beauty in recognition.

And when we pause, most importantly, it recognizes the One Who is most present. Sometimes we are too busy to hear what God may be saying because we’re striving and busy. It’s only in the still and unhurried that we can hear His voice. And if we stay for a while, the most important reason would be for Him.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God”.

Remember, the intimate moments are the best part of what we find in each other. But it takes an unwinding to experience it and when you do, oh it’s too be cherished. The “staying a while” doesn’t just change your schedule, it changes you!

So, pull up a chair and stay for a while, you’ll be glad you did!

~ Tanya

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