Claritin Clear

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

I Corinthians 13:12

Confession time.  I used to watch a lot of secular movies and much of my conversation can be peppered with quotes from movies such as “Dumb and Dumber,” “Major Payne,” “Talladega Nights,” “A Few Good Men,” and many other titles that I could go on about but then you’d be reflecting on them instead of my words that I’m hoping will bring you some new smiles today.

Yesterday when I went to put on my glasses so I could see the tv, computer, reading material, and yes, even my hubby, I noticed how blurry--no, that’s not the right word.  How unclear they were.  Not quite foggy but hazy-like.  I’m sure you’ve seen those Claritin commercials, where they show an image and then pull a screen off of it to clear it up so that the colors are more vibrant and viewable.  Kind of like that.  My thoughts immediately went to the above passage that speaks of being able to see dimly.  “Yep, that’s me.  I can’t hardly see a thing through these specs so there’ll be no eyeballing anyone, Popeye.”  

Now, in years past, that last thought would have had me reflecting on those movie scripts and the hilarity that ensued upon watching them.  However, in my older (and let’s not forget wiser) age, instead my contemplations led me to consider how absolutely marvelous it’s going to be when my eyes are truly opened to all that our Lord has prepared for me.  No need for glasses, hindsight that is 20/20, nor squinting at objects that are either too far away or too close to my face to discern.  Well, there might be some shading of these pretty blues as I am overwhelmed by the brightness of The Son.  There may be some need for sunglasses to protect my eyes from the brilliance and radiance of Christ but...nah, that won’t be necessary either.  Oh, undoubtedly, He will shine!  But instead of shading myself, I will bask in His glory, in His exceptional brightness.  The fog will be lifted and the haze gone.  I shall see my Jesus, face to face, eye to eye, and what a day that will be!

Let’s pray!

Dear Lord, what a wonderful aid it is for me to have the opportunity to have glasses to help me see more clearly, to keep being able to read with, and to view the beauty of the surroundings You have placed all around me.  Thank You for the medical advancements that lift the blurriness when my allergies and old age act up so that I may still utilize the eyes You gave to me.  And thank You for my eyes, Father.  Of all the senses, I think this one is the best.

I anticipate with great pleasure, Lord God, the day when You call me home and I get to see without any barriers.  The day, Father, when all of my other senses will also be heightened and I can just revel in the wonder that is You.  Reminds me of a song we used to sing at Unity Baptist Church, Lord, “That Beautiful Country.”  

Thanks again for my vision and Your vision for Your children.  Ooh, now I’m thinking of another great song, Lord, “I Have Seen The Light” as my heart joyfully swells to the message in it.  You are so great and I cannot wait to be with You, eyes fully opened, mouth singing songs that actually sound pleasant with Your heavenly band.  Come soon?  I’m waiting, Lord.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

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THAT WONDERFUL COUNTRY BY CHARLES WYCUFF 1966(?)  E FLAT

I’VE BEEN READING ABOUT THAT WONDERFUL COUNTRY

WHERE THE STREETS ARE ALL MADE WITH PUREST OF GOLD

AND THE PEOPLE THERE LIVE IN BEAUTIFUL MANSIONS

AND NOBODY UP THERE WILL EVER GROW OLD

I’M ACQUAINTED WITH CHRIST THE KING OF THAT COUNTRY

HE HAS MADE ME AN HEIR TO HEAVENS ABOVE

WHEN MY WORK IS DONE HE WILL CALL ME UP YONDER

WHERE FOREVER I’LL TELL HIS WONDERFUL LOVE

THERE WILL BE NO MORE GRIEF OR PAIN IN THAT COUNTRY

GOD HIMSELF SHALL DRY ALL THE TEARS FROM OUR EYES

WHILE THE AGES ROLL WE’LL BE LIVING IN SPLENDOR

IN THAT WONDERFUL HOME BEYOND THE BLUE SKIES

CHORUS

LEAD/TENOR/BASS

ALTO

IN THAT WONDERFUL LAND THAT COUNTRY BRIGHT AND FAIR

(IN THAT WONDERFUL COUNTRY)

NOW AWAITING ME YES NOW AWAITING ME

(NOW AWAITING FOR ME)

THERE’S A BEAUTIFUL HOME THAT’S FAR BEYOND COMPARE

(THERE’S A BEAUTIFUL MANSION)

SOON ITS GLORIES THERE ITS GLORIES I SHALL SEE

(SOON ITS GLORIES I’LL SEE)

(CHANGE TO BASS LEAD)

I’LL JOIN MY FRIENDS    AROUND THE THRONE

(I’LL JOIN MY LOVED ONES AROUND THE THRONE)

THEN I SHALL KNOW AS I AM KNOWN

(THEN I SHALL KNOW    AS I AM KNOWN)

REVERT TO LEAD/TENOR/BASS & ALTO

I’LL BE HAPPY I KNOW    UP THERE FOREVER MORE

(I’LL BE HAPPY FOR – EV – ER)

IN THAT HEAV’NLY HOME THERE    IN THAT WONDROUS LAND

(IN THAT WONDERFUL LAND)

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I Have Seen The Light

Robert Sterling and Chris Machen

I was a seeker for light in a dark world,
I looked for truth but settled for lies.
I had been blinded, I couldn't see
Till the Star in Bethlehem's sky opened my eyes.

I have seen the Light shining in the darkness,
Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn.
I have seen the Light whose holy name is Jesus,
His kingdom is forever; He reigns on Heaven's throne!

There in a manger, an innocent baby;
Who could believe He was the One;
I can believe it, I know it's true;
He changed my life; He is the light; He is God's Son!

I have seen the Light shining in the darkness,
Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn.
I have seen the Light whose holy name is Jesus,
His kingdom is forever; He reigns on Heaven's throne!
We must tell the world what we’ve seen today in Bethlehem!
He`s the promised King; we bow down and worship Him!
Worship Christ The King!

I have seen the Light shining in the darkness,
Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn.
I have seen the Light whose holy name is Jesus,
His kingdom is forever; He reigns on Heaven's throne!