When I first heard Bart Millard's song, I Can Only Imagine, I was surprised by the thoughts and images that it evoked in me.

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.

I must admit that I don't spend a lot of time imagining heaven, at least not regularly. But when asked . . .

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 was left to think about my own reaction to heaven. Two left feet make dancing for Jesus improbable, but I am just not sure about the other options. The thoughts and images that fill my head about heaven are disjointed at best.

• At funerals of friends and family, I always end up imagining the joy and relief of seeing the dead again. But I remember being at my grandfather's funeral and the priest mentioning Alvin (my grandfather) being joined again with his wife Leona (my grandmother), while his second wife Dorothy (my step-grandmother) was sitting in the church. Now that is confusing using our earthly standards!
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• Did you ever see the movie Defending Your Life? It is all about heaven (just one writer's view of heaven, of course), but one of the things that I loved about it was that all the food in heaven was delicious and you never gained any weight. That really seems like heaven on some days!
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• I teach a course to adults and ask them to agree or disagree with the following statement: "For Christians, spirituality is about getting to heaven." I am always amazed at the comments my students have about heaven. Some say that heaven is a destination, or the journey itself, or not something they ever think about, or the goal of their life.

I have not spent enough time thinking about what it will be like to be in God's presence for all eternity. Sometimes in prayer I am overwhelmed by God's presence. I can't imagine what my reaction would be to standing face to face with God. But perhaps, it doesn't matter. When we get to heaven, we will know for sure how we will react . . . and what it is like to see our loved ones again . . . and if we eat at all! As St. Paul says: "At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known" (1 Corinthians 13:12). We can't know now, but someday we shall. Until then, what "I Can Only Imagine" does for me is remind me of who God is in my life and how much I long for an eternity in God's presence. I really can only imagine what it will be like to be surrounded by perfect love for all eternity. But it is sure a nice image.

What do you imagine about heaven?

We pray:

God, I long for eternity in your presence, and yet you are available to me today.
Help me to slow down, quiet down, and "sing hallelujah."
Guide my life that I may someday stand face to face with you. Amen.

Related Links

• The 'Last Things': Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell, by Carol Luebering
• Word on the Street: Do You Believe in God? Do You Believe in Heaven and Hell?

Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnership
with the Center for Ministry Development.