Sauntering and curveballs
Just been looking at definitions of “linger” ……….
“to stay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave; to tarry”
“to go in a slow or leisurely manner; to saunter”
“Saunter, from the French phrase "Sainte Terre." Back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply, 'A la sainte terre,' 'To the Holy Land. ' And so they became known as sainte- terre-ers or saunterers.”
Especially like the last one.
But as yet, I haven’t done much lingering. Instead there’s been an unexpected curveball and a journey down to Somerset over the weekend. To see my brother who’s in hospital. Prayers appreciated for him just now. Thanks!
Just to say here though, it struck me this weekend that this lingering is not so much about place. Not so much about where but about how to linger. How to be in the midst of sudden change. And unexpected stresses. How to stay steady.
This weekend I felt a grace not to wobble. And in the limits of time, there were moments of lingering. With my niece and nephew. With Gav. With Sky the dog. Altogether watching “Small Prophets.” With my brother. With my other nephew and his girlfriend. In the car driving home.
I’m not quite with it just now. But I do feel there’s a lingering within going on. Which will be interesting to articulate at some point!
Thinking of us all anyway and sending lingering love and peace xx
Fiona P