On a magnificent hike from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park, my husband and I viewed the remnants of these charred trees, glimpses of a forest that once had been. To many in their final days upon earth, the "had beens" of life are the only memories left upon the photo gallery of wasted years. They wish for something they never attained.
Someday all I will have left are memories, for my moments here will be past. Considering that reality, my husband asked me last summer, “Won’t you be glad to see Jesus [in Heaven]?”
I couldn’t answer him for a while, since I had to that time considered Jesus as my invisible God but had rarely reflected upon Him as the Perfect Man. Someday, I realized, these eyes would behold my Friend who has walked with me on this journey below. If I would but see this Friend beside me, encountering every danger and assisting me in defeating obstacles to bring me to victory--what a different life I would live! How my conversation would be affected, my habits changed, my speech considerate of His Word and His perspective. Never should I feel alone or lacking confidence, for He is ever at my side. Never should I experience the pangs of unkind words, for He is my shield, my buckler, my protection, my fortress.
When I did answer my husband that night, I said, “I think I would be ashamed." How I long to live each day viewing my Friend with the eyes of faith, so that I with joy may behold His face in Heaven someday.
Oh, to behold the
Savior’s face
Each day as I walk
below
And to perceive His
shadow near
Every pathway on
which I go!
Oh that I’d know His
presence close
As He journeys by my
side
Oh, to live daily
with my Lord,
In His Spirit to
abide!
Then shall I enemies
overcome;
My foes will defeated
be.
And I shall face with
confidence
The life God’s
designed for me!
Then I’ll rejoice in
His constant grace,
Secure in unending
love;
And I’ll reflect
Christ’s holiness
With an eye on the
world above!
Oh that each day I
might partake
In this view of my
Savior God,
The Friend who has
spared my cursed soul
From Hell’s
ever-chastening rod!
Then shall my soul
embrace His way
His Spirit, my face
make shine!
Oh, for a view of
Jesus Christ
Each moment to make
sublime!
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