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Saturday, March 13, 2010

I Can Only Imagine...

Today I accompanied Jason, my boyfriend, to a funeral of a long time family friend. Unfortunately I had never gotten to know this man we went to see laid to rest. As we drove to the church, my expectations were just really to be there for Jason - I didn't realize how much attending this service would affect me. The moment we sat down, I began to look through the pamphlet at what was to come, and felt a wave of emotion come over me. I sat and watched this man's wife and their two daughters smile as they hugged everyone, and began to dread the day that I will be in the same position. Immediately, everyone who I had ever lost flashed through my mind, and both my grandfathers were present in my mind.

We sang Amazing Grace, and I learned more about the man I was there to pay my respects to. He was a marine in the Vietnam War, brilliant, and a devoted husband and father. What struck me the most was how everyone spoke of his Faith. Even though he was dying of cancer, he was content knowing that he was living out the plan God had for him, and if dying now was part of the plan, so be it, he was ready.

Then it happened. A woman from the back of the room stood, microphone in hand, and prepared to sing the song, "I Can Only Imagine." She asked us to focus on the portrait of Jesus above the alter, remember all those that we've lost and really listen to the words of the song. I've heard the song many times, and love it, but today - it came to life....

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

But it didn't end there. After I watched Marines salute him, listened to the guns, and watched them present his wife with a flag, I continued to think about both of my grandfathers. I thought about the sacrifices and awful things one of my grandfathers faced during World War II. My heart was crying out for God to comfort me.

And then, the following song was played and the lyrics spoke right to my heart.... For all of the loved ones you have lost - Let the following words sink in:

Our prayers have all been answered. I finally arrived.
The healing that had been delayed has now been realized.
No one's in a hurry. There's no schedule to keep.
We're all enjoying Jesus, just sitting at His feet.


Chorus: If you could see me now, I'm walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now, I'm standing strong and whole.
If you could see me now, you'd know I've seen His face.
If you could see me now, you'd know the pain is erased.
You wouldn't want me to ever leave this place,
If you could only see me now.


My light and temporary trials have worked out for my good,
To know it brought Him glory when I misunderstood.
Though we've had our sorrows, they can never compare.
What Jesus has in store for us, no language can share. (Chorus twice)


You wouldn't want me to ever leave this perfect place
If you could only see me now
If you could see me now
If you could only see me now

--------- God is taking care of all of us... You just have to believe.... I felt God reach out to me today, and He asked me to not take a single moment for granted, but to also have Faith in his Will....

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