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Finally Home!

(This was last night, but it was too late/ or very early this morning that I never get the chance to put it up)
When I was away studying in Alberta, home is where my parents and siblings are—Brampton, Ontario. But now, and whenever I am with them, home is Philippines. And speaking of Philippines, I am quite excited to go back there and visit. But when I listened to the song, Finally Home (composed by Don Wyrtzen but I was listening to the Tom Fettke’s (choral) arrangement and learning the alto part. And I just couldn’t resist from just listening to the choir singing in the cd), I was reminded of where home actually is. And my longing to be there beats the longing I have to go back to Philippines.

Finally Home by Don Wyrtzen

(*When engulfed by terror of tempestuous sea
Unknown waves before you roll)
When alarmed by the fury of the restless sea
Towering waves before you roll
At the end of doubt and peril is eternity
Though fear and conflict seize your soul

(Chorus)
(But) just think of stepping on shore
And finding it heaven
Of touching a hand and finding it God’s
Of breathing new air and finding it celestial
Of waking up in glory and finding it home.

When surrounded by the blackness of the darkest night
Oh how lonely death can be.
At the end of this long tunnel is a shining light,
For death is swallowed up in victory!

Just think of stepping on shore
And finding it heaven
Of touching a hand and finding it God’s
Of breathing new air and finding it celestial
Of waking up in glory and finding it home.

Finally home!

(* I believe were the original lyrics)

But for a moment, close your eyes and just think…of opening your eyes to heaven, to eternal life, and finding our Maker’s magnificent and gracious face greeting you with His loving smile. Wouldn’t that be extremely awesome?
I remember how I fell in love with this song when I was little. The last time I heard this song was when a lady in a funeral service was singing it. And tho’ I didn’t personally know the person who died, I somehow found the song very comforting. And now that I heard it again, it still has the same effect on me, even more.
The words are hopeful and comforting; and with its melody, the song is very inspiring—quite empowering actually. And Tom Fettke’s arrangement just…ah…it’s just uplifting and awe-inspiring! It’s really music! You know how, music ought to uplift our thoughts and our soul to heaven and to God? Well, this is what it does to me, especially the chorus part. Even with my eyes open, I feel like I was being swept and brought closer to heaven just by listening to it. I don’t know whether this song was purposed to be sung in funeral services or not; or whether it diminished into being more or just commonly sung for such purposes or not. But I think this song brings more than just comfort and peace. It brings hope and strength, singing a triumphant song and bringing our gaze towards that blissful and glorious eternity. It is an encouraging reminder that we need not be helplessly lost when dealing with death, for Christ has conquered it for us. And it is an evocative reminder of where our citizenship was meant to be, of where our home truly is—in heaven, with God.
I wish I can share with you the exact music I am listening to. Perhaps you are already familiar with it. Or perhaps you already know or will be able to find a more evocative arrangement. But here is a link:

http://teachustopray.multiply.com/video/item/145/Finally_Home_Piano_Arrangement

(I think youtube has the same and exact video of that lady playing the piano)

~ by klengsfile on May 30, 2009.

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