A Boy at a Concert and a Glimpse of Heaven

February 23, 2015

photo by U.S. Army

He was in the front row, eyes wide and face angled up toward the lights. The space was dark and swirling with fog, an intimate concert venue that is unassuming from the street outside but almost magical inside. Ornate glass chandeliers hung over framed art and modern couches and the bar was bustling at the back, but I doubt he saw any of that.

He was there for the main act. This boy couldn't have been more than 12 years old, and his mom was there standing behind him as if to protect him from the crowds, but I don't think he noticed that either.

From the second the band took the stage, he was enthralled. I was across the room from him, but he kept catching my attention. His innocent eyes were fixed on the men performing before him, so full of wonder and awe at the talent they were filling our ears with. He knew almost every word, and you could see him singing along even though I'm sure nobody could hear his sweet voice in all the noise. 

Between songs, the lead singer called out to the boy, asking him how old he was. In all the crowd, this boy was the one he noticed. He smiled at him and told him he had a bright future ahead of him, and then he gave him one of the limited edition tour posters as a gift. The boy was overjoyed and clutched that poster tight to his chest for the rest of the night.

As I watched him watch the band, my mind drifted to what I think true worship should look like. I started thinking about heaven. I know I'll never be able to imagine it well in my simple mind, but this sweet boy made me start to dream.

I want to worship before my Savior like that little boy before the band. I want to be so enchanted by His every word and movement that not a single thing or person around me could distract me. I want to sing His words back to Him, even though my voice is small and shaky and forgets the words sometimes. I want to lock eyes with Him and feel His gaze on me. I want to hear Him call me out, notice me, smile at me, and tell me I have a bright future ahead. I want to move to the music He fills the room with, knowing there will never be a greater dance than this one I'm a part of with my Creator. I want to worship with abandon, not caring at all if the people around me have been doing this longer or can do any of it better. I want to worship with undying adoration and wholehearted fascination. I want to worship like a child, pure and uncomplicated and free.

As the band faded out to let our voices ring out together, I was stunned by the beauty of it all. Hearing hundreds sing out was beautiful and another glimpse of heaven, when all believers join together to praise our Creator endlessly. I can't wait for that. In the middle of an incredible concert, I'm grateful for that boy in the front row and for how he challenged me to be a better, truer worshipper.

Watch this video if you want another glimpse of how beautiful heaven's worship will be... Thank you, Bethel Music, for this anthem.