"I Can Only Imagine" - by Rev. Weldon Bares

Several years ago, I went to New York City with my mother and father. This was their first visit to the Big Apple. One evening, my mother and I went to see “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway. My father didn’t care to go. He stayed back at the hotel.

After the play was over late that night, we were walking back to the hotel, right through the middle of Times Square.

Times Square is so amazing at night, illuminated by an untold number of bright lights. She was holding my arm and looking down, to be sure of her step.

So, I stopped right there in the middle of Times Square, and I said, “Mom, look up. Look up. Look around you.” And she looked up at the lights, and she was really amazed. The beautiful lights were dancing in her eyes.

I had no idea that she would pass away six months later. But, personally, it is so comforting for me to picture her in heaven, with the light of God’s dazzling presence dancing in her eyes.

I love the worship song by MercyMe: “I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by Your side. I can only imagine what my eyes would see when Your face is before me. I can only imagine. I can only imagine.”

I miss my mother more than I can ever say. But I look forward to a happy day of being with her again on the other side of the grave. I can only imagine.

This Sunday we will celebrate the gift of mothers and grandmothers and all of those who have blessed our lives.