Day 11: Mary Remained with Her, Linger Long
Editor’s Note: On the eleventh day of our 2025 Advent blog series, “Visions of Visitation: Love in Motion,” DC Service Corps volunteer Claire Fisher reflects on how she has learned to “linger long” throughout her year of service.
If I have learned anything in my year of service, it is to linger long.
Each night before bed, I make sure each conversation I have lasts five more minutes than it “needs to.” An evening debrief cannot be deemed complete unless there is a goodbye, after the first goodbye, in the hallway.
Has everyone said what they needed to say? Do they feel listened to and heard?
When I am creating bill briefers at work, I linger long before submitting my document. Have I done this piece of legislation justice? More specifically, have I done the people whom the legislation serves justice?
This year, I am attempting to spend an extra five minutes or more on everything I do: every meal, every conversation, work assignment, blog article, or chore.
Who knows? The last five minutes could be the most important.
I am reminded of Mary’s visit with Elizabeth.
“Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.” – Luke 1:56
If Mary can spend three months serving her cousin, I can accompany others for another five minutes.
When we rush through the gift of accompaniment, we miss out.
Yes, our schedules are full, but we must also make sure we are giving everything its due time.
In the beginning of my time with DCSC, I was very prone to go to bed early and simply just stay home. I am challenging that now.
A few weeks ago, I challenged myself to stay up until midnight. Yes, this was late, and I did truly want to go to bed at 9 p.m. However, because I stayed up, I gained so much.
First, I got to talk with Sam more about his time at LFFP. I got to pick up Eileen and Philip from the Brookland Metro stop after a concert, getting to expand my connection with them. I got to chat with David about our futures and our families. And my girls? We had a glass of wine together and watched The Parent Trap.
What would have happened if I had went to bed three hours earlier? I would have missed ALL of that beautiful bonding time.
Whether it was three hours or three months, Mary and I both lingered long.
Question for Reflection: Where or with whom can you “linger long” this Advent?
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