Three months ago we thought we might have to put her down. Our sweet, thirteen-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel demonstrated great difficulty in walking, even in standing up. Kelly’s legs wobbled underneath her and, if I was putting her onto the floor, I’d hold under her belly for a minute. “Do you have your legs underneath you sweetie?” Kelly joined my life on the second anniversary of my first husband’s passing, and has been with me longer than my dear Don. It was heartbreaking to think we might have to make that painful decision.

My sweet number 1 girl

Somehow, in the past few months she’s regained some of her vigor. So imagine my delight Wednesday when, after Don and I had been gone a couple of hours, she dashed out of the house, past the parked car, and about twenty-five yards straight to me, welcoming me home. This little gal who could hardly stand a few months ago ran like she was medalling in a hundred-yard dash. Pure joy!

Remembering her welcome this morning got me thinking what it will be like when I meet Jesus Christ face to face. Will I run like Kelly did, straight into His waiting arms? fall on my face before him? The thrill will be unsurpassed in that most sacred, most joyful of all possible reunions.

My nephew Drew sang “I Can Only Imagine” at my father’s memorial service. The words of the chorus  say:

I Can Only Imagine

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

When I meet Jesus I will be whole, righteous, all He created me to be. Physical, spiritual, emotional pain or weakness will forever be gone, and He will greet me with joy.

“The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

I can only imagine!