Imagining

My Grandmother passed away this past May. My mother called me the Saturday night before to let me know that she’d collapsed unexpectedly and been rushed to the hospital. After running tests, the doctor had given her only two short weeks to live. My husband purchased plane tickets for Monday, so I could fly across country to say goodbye. I began packing my bags.

The next morning, in church, we sang, “I Can Only Imagine.” I’ve always loved this song, but on this morning I thought,

“Soon Grandma won’t have to imagine—she’ll know!”

As I sang the song, I tried to imagine what Grandma would experience when she met Jesus face to face for the first time. As I pictured Jesus welcoming her home, I worshipped and thanked Him and praised His holy Name.

My mother called as we were walking in the door after church. Grandma had died early that morning in her sleep. I wouldn't get to say good-bye, yet I recognized that song as a gift of comfort to me. As I had imagined Grandma entering God’s Presence, she was already there.

A few days later, at Grandma’s memorial service, one of her nieces joked that Grandma was probably complaining to Jesus about missing the party and begging Him to let her come—for just a few hours or so. We all laughed. The comment fit Grandma’s personality so perfectly. She loved being with her family and friends—always the more, the merrier. She would have loved her memorial.

Yet later I realized that Grandma was enjoying a party of her own. Jesus, Himself, was welcoming her home. She was standing or bowing or singing or praising or suddenly silent—no way! And whatever she was doing, she was surrounded by husband, parents, grandparents, brothers, and friends who’d gone before. In Heaven with those most precious people and Jesus, Himself, face to face at last, I don’t think she missed us at all.

But I know she’s waiting for us, right beside her beloved Lord. (In fact, I like to think she’s still talking to Him about us, urging Him to work in our hearts, to faithfully lead us all to join them in that place.)

Someday we’ll stand in God’s Presence.

I can only imagine that day.