What I Really Want
I have seen majestic mountains that tower to the sky.
I have seen the verdant valleys, have watched the eagle fly.
I have seen the fruited hills, and the fields of golden grain.
I have seen storm clouds gather, seen the sun break thru again.
But what I really want to see, and long so to behold,
Are jasper walls, gates of pearl, and streets of purest gold.
I want to see the crystal sea sparkling before the throne.
I want to see the throne itself, and him who sits thereon.
I have seen spring's flowered meadows, the seas and coastal sands.
I have seen great waterfalls plunging on to lower lands.
I have seen autumnal hues, crimson sunsets fill the sky,
and unnumbered stars on high.
But what I really want to see is what's beyond the blue,
Beyond the stars, where angels dwell, a land with joy endued.
I want to see what I shall be when freed from mortal clay.
I want to see my heavenly home, the mansions he has made.
I have seen marvellous creatures of land and sky and sea,
Seen their pow' r, their stunning grace and their e~quisite beauty.
I have seen many people, family and hosts of friends,
I have seen men of renown, men on whom fame did descend.
But what I really want to see is Jesus, face to face.
I want to see the redeemed ones, those saved by his great grace,
Peter and Paul, and Moses too, and dear ones gone before.
I want to dwell with him. and them. in heav'n forevermore.
I have heard the stirring anthems of mighty marching bands,
Thunder roar, the canine wail, and the violin' s sweet strands.
I have heard small children laugh, and the infant' s helpless cries.
I have heard the soft soothing tones of mothers' lullabies.
But what I really want to hear is Jesus call my name,
To hear him say that he knows me; of me he's not ashamed.
I want to hear the angels sing, what music that must be.
And as their voices mix and blend, I hope there's room for me.
I have felt the blasts of winter, seen earth shiver from cold.
I have seen, as passing seasons, friends age as they grow old.
I have stood by open graves, have heard broken hearts' goodbyes.
I have felt sorrow's deep pangs, and so I have had to cry.
So what I reaUy want to see is heaven's endless day,
Where all my friends are ever young, and death cannot dismay.
I want to live where there's no pain, and tears ne'er dim the eye.
And what I really want, I'll have, in the sweet by and by.