I Can Only Imagine

On Friday of this past week I was talking with a good friend who indicated he was going to a spiritual retreat on this weekend. We have talked in the past about the uplifting and refreshment that he finds on these weekends.

I didn't know it at the time, but I was about to attend one of the most moving, uplifting, confirming and emotional spiritual evenings of my life. Every year the Special Olympic athletes of our town, along with many business leaders, put on a dinner and show for hundreds of people from the community. Bank presidents, judges, lawyers, business owners, members of the high school cheer leader squad and a host of other dedicated folks join together with the athletes to put on this show. You can not imagine the hilarious skits they get themselves into just to raise funds for these olympian's trips, and to let the athletes perform with them. It is always a night of great entertainment but last night was to be that and so much more.

One of the numbers came from a favorite song of a teenage girl who had recently passed on from cancer, "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns (You need to hear this song). Members of the cheer leaders along with other girls from the high school worked with a dance choreographer to put together a very moving ballet number in her honor. Her family was there and we were privileged to share this moment with them. As moving as this was, there was more to come later in the program.

We have been blessed by the family of my son's wife becoming a close part of our's. We have come to know her brother, Mike Wood, and as with anyone who gets to spend time with these very special individuals, our lives have been made richer and so much better from knowing him. I don't understand all the challenges that are faced by these individuals. I guess that the medical and psychological "learned" community have determined that their "skill sets" or abilities as compared to the rest of society puts them at a certain level. The unfortunate side of this most people tend to pigeon hole them into that place and never spend time with them and get to know them or give them a chance to step beyond these "pre-determined places". I guess that's the same for they way peopel view many parts of our society. They may be challenged in what they are able to accomplish or do, but do not ever try to convince me that within them there is not a person that, while childlike at times, is not fully aware of life around them, and concerned, and desiring, loving, and a lot of other things that reach well beyond the limitations of childhood. Last night, we saw more than proof of this, but also that everything we have heard or know about God really loving each one of us just as we are, and being a very real and caring part of our individual lives is all true. He walks with us, helps us, teaches, supports and speaks through us in so many ways when we let Him.

Later in the program, the coach of the group came out and told us how the song "I Can Only Imagine" by the recording group Mercy Me had become their favorite song. Six of the athletes came out to sing the song with him for us. The singing was not as a rehearsed song, but from within their hearts. From the lifting of a couple of hands to reach towards God to the simple kneeling or singing with uplifted eyes, there was no question that God was not only present in each of these lives, but on that night throughout the auditorium. God spoke to us all last night through these six wonderful people and their terrific coach and told us of the beauty that He can and does make out of our lives when we let Him. By the faith of a child, represented by these six last night, we saw and felt, without question, the existence of God, His love, His presence, His promise and His glorious message. The silence of the audience was only overcome by the sobs from those of many of us who were giving praise to Him for coming to us in that moment of our lives in such a powerful way.

These are the words that came to us in song last night, written by "Mercy Me", but sung as I think no one had heard them before.

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

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

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
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When all I will do
is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine

by Mercy Me
Copyright: ©1999 MercyMe For more information about this song and the group, you can visit their WEBsite:MercyMe