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Word from Grace Street: The Importance of Lingering

June 02, 2011, Christianity (85), Church (77)

Posted by Wallace+

In conversation on Sunday, as we reflected on church as our base camp, a comment by Steve Micas gave me a fresh perspective on the image. Steve spoke of the importance of lingering at the base camp. His reflection and, in particular, the word linger have stayed with me.

+

To linger.

Who would have thought that life depends on it, that salvation depends on it?

On lingering.

But so it is:

When about to ascend Mount Everest, one must remain at the base camp for several weeks, even up to two months. This is to allow time for acclimatization, that is, for an adjustment to the altitude, to the oxygen content of the air. Not to allow that time is to endanger one's life. To allow that time helps ensure that one is ready for the hike.

To make the ascent, we must first linger. We must linger at the base camp.

I'll see you there.

Tags: steve micas, word from grace street

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