The Great By and By

THE GREAT BY AND BY I’m thrilled with a brilliant red sunset, I’ve marveled at lightning so bright, I’ve stood and I’ve watched falling snowflakes, Then I thought, “What a beautiful sight!” I’ve seen the spring landscape all blooming, I’ve watched as the autumn leaves fall, I’ve stood on a mountain’s high summit And looked at the things down there small. I’ve seen many beautiful flowers, Or a rainbow that arched in the sky; I’ve seen sky full of twinkling starlight, Then I think of the great by and by. Oh, what kind of a place will be heaven! Oh, what beauty all bright to behold! And we only know part of the story, For the half has not ever been told! I’ve mourned over losses in wartime, The casualties of the great storms, But then I see heaven’s great vision When night vanishes there into morn. I’ve shed many tears at a funeral, I’ve said my farewells to those friends, Then I think of a day that is coming When our fellowship never will end. I’m blessed by some beautiful music From the singers and orchestras here, But no music is like that of heaven Where the melody’s perfect and clear. I know I have stumbled and faltered, My life full of failures has been, But I’m looking to travel that city Where there will be no heartache or sin. Two perspectives of life I have witnessed; One has glory, the other has sighs, But some day life for me will be over And new life waits for me in the skies.