Will I dance for you Jesus?

Ahh, an oldie but goodie today as we look at “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me.  Before you delve into meditation time though, I want to say a few words.  I have chosen this specific video for this song because I am going to blog a bit after so yes, the song is in the video and yes, the video is sad for many of my readers, but I promise there’s reason for it.  I apologize that there’s more to the video than just the song like I usually have but well, it’s the clip I made so just enjoy it–it’s a well-made video.

The language you probably didn’t recognize was Lithuanian and the lady you may not have recognized was my aunt.  The song being sung was this same one in Lithuanian.  She translated it, as it was always one of her favorites.  This is the ending clip of a memorial DVD made for her family and friends from her years up at Camp Kretinga in Canada and, while it will probably make those who knew her cry, I sincerely hope they are tears of joy, not sorrow.  I say that because of the song I’ve chosen for this week.  My aunt is no longer suffering or fighting a battle with cancer, she is dancing with our Lord and God.  I can only imagine when that day will come for me!  Today (well, technically yesterday when I wrote this) happened to be the day someone else passed away because of cancer.  His name was Fr. Mike and he was the priest at the church I interned and then church hopped at.  When I went to Mass tonight (last night, whatever…), the priest gave a very profound homily…and it was probably a total of 5 minutes long, if that.  He said priests ask the same questions as everyone else does, “Why?  Why did he have to suffer?”  His response to this was perhaps the best response I’ve ever heard though.  He simply said, “Because he’s a follower of Christ.”  When I think of my aunt, Fr. Mike, or the many others afflicted with cancer, my heart breaks at the thought of their suffering.  After being reminded of how this is actually their cross, the one they bear with Christ, I begin to smile.  These individuals are all standing before our Lord right now.  They’ve suffered and endured hardships and are reaping the heavenly reward of being followers of Christ.  I can only imagine what that will be like.  They are already “surrounded by your glory” and who knows what they’re doing.  Maybe they’re “dancing for you Jesus” or maybe they are still due to awe.  Maybe they’re “standing in your presence” or maybe on their knees they will fall.  Maybe they’re “singing Hallelujah” or maybe they’re not “able to sing at all.”  Who knows?!  I CAN ONLY IMAGINE!  These individuals know but for me, I can only imagine…