Several weeks ago, I had a wonderful opportunity to speak to the Pastoral Care Team members at a large church in my hometown of Pella. My cousin, Rick, and his wife, Joan, were in attendance, and after the presentation, we chatted a bit about my ministry. I mentioned that God had been leading me to write some songs, and what a surprising twist that was for me.
Fast forward a few weeks, and my beloved Aunt Nettie, mother to this same cousin, has been moved to the Pella Comfort House through Hospice as she was facing her final days. I spent a few hours on a Sunday afternoon with the family as they awaited the home-going of their dear mom.
During this time, Joan said to me, “Tell me more about these songs. I’m looking at music for the funeral.” So, I gave her a brief overview and she thought one song might be a great fit for the service. I sent her the words and a recording I had made on the piano, and began to feel a little nervous about this!
Early the next morning, Aunt Nettie went to be with her Lord and Savior – and her beloved husband, my Uncle Lloyd.
After reviewing everything, they made the decision to use the song, “I Long to See Your Face.” I told her there was no way I could emotionally sing it at the funeral without losing it, so she went about finding a singer who was willing to take on the task of learning a brand-new song in a few days’ time.
And I decided I should probably get the melody transferred from my head and down onto a music score pronto!
So, I took a couple of trips to Pella to practice with the soloist, as I would be playing the piano for the song – and decided to sing a little harmony as well.
This past Saturday was Aunt Nettie’s funeral and I was honored to play a small part in celebrating her life and legacy, which was a life of living out her deep faith. Much joy at her home-going, but sadness for all that we would miss.
So, now just a bit of background on the song and then I’ll share the words with you. This song is extremely personal to me. It is the cry of my heart as I walk through this journey of losing Dale. Every word reflects the reality that I live each and every day.
But I don’t want the sadness in the song to be the focus here. The song chronicles the process of gaining the proper understanding of just what we should most look forward to one day in Heaven.
Verse 1 and Chorus 1 talk about how I long to see Dale back here in the life we had together. Yes, I want those good days back! Verse 2 and Chorus 2 highlight how much I long to see Dale when I get to Heaven.
The bridge essentially says, “Wait a minute here. That is NOT where your focus should be!” So, the last chorus PROPERLY illustrates what should and will be our greatest joy once we reach our heavenly home.
I Long to See Your Face
Words and Music by Lynne Hoeksema
Verse 1:
In the quiet of the evening, when all the shades are drawn.
My heart begins that journey, where together we belonged.
But now those days are over, and peace is hard to find.
In loneliness my heart cries and this thought fills my mind:
Chorus 1:
I long to see your face and put my hand in yours.
Embraced by your sweet love, together once more
Reliving happy times when life seemed, oh so fair.
So blessed by God’s kind hand and underneath His care.
Verse 2:
I think about that future that seems so far away.
I picture you in Heaven, perfection every day.
My mind sees our reunion as I run into your arms.
Hard years, they’ve disappeared now; we made it through the storms.
Chorus 2:
I long to see your face and put my hand in yours.
Embraced by your great love as we walk along the shore
In this perfect Promised Land where pain and tears are gone.
Our trials left behind; our love is now restored.
Bridge:
But I’m missing something vital in my view of Heaven one day.
My focus is misguided so on my knees I pray,
“Forgive me, Lord, for putting my loved ones ahead of You.
We’re here because of Jesus, His blood has made us new.”
Yes, we are the created, and You, – You are Creator God.
Why long for just the gift, when You’re the Giver of it all?
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Chorus 3:
And when I see Your face and put my hand in Yours,
Embraced by perfect love, now and forever more.
My longing will be o’er, my restless heart, be still.
My Savior, I am home, Your promises fulfilled.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Amen!
They shall see His face.
Revelation 22:4