"Stay" | Reflection by Angela Arpino

Poor Zuzu… the anticipation of a treat when we ask her to “stay” is almost unbearable. Excitement builds as the seconds tick by; her tail wags faster and faster; she might even cock her head to one side as if to say, “Ok, let’s get to the treat part.” (I should note that the command to “stay” only works in the living room as we walk into the kitchen to get the treat. It does not work when she is outside charging a skunk.)  

“Stay” is a word filled with different kinds of anticipation. For me, plans to stay with my sister in Virginia fills me with the happy anticipation of a long-awaited visit with someone I love and miss. The thought of a “stay-cation” makes me feel relaxed as I anticipate making my own schedule and doing only what I’d like to do on any given day. On the other hand, an unanticipated hospital stay would make me anxious and unsettled. Last Sunday, Jesus was invited to stay with a community of Samaritans, a people who historically had many conflicts with the Jewish people. In verse 40 of John’s chapter 4, we hear that Jesus went “and stayed for two days.” What happened during that stay? We can only imagine the fear, curiosity, doubtfulness, and skepticism on day one. But then we hear the result: the Samaritans were among the first who came to believe Jesus is the Savior of the world. When you hear the word “stay,” what emotion fills your heart? Share your response in the comments below…