Changed for Good

Went and saw "Wicked" in Chicago last weekend with my son and wife. There's a beautiful song at the end where Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, sings with Glinda (The Good Witch)--By the way, I know I've said this in previous blogs, but "Wicked" is the prequel to the "Wizard of Oz."--Listen to these words and see if they don't remind you of one of your friends.

I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn,
And we are led to those who help us most to grow
If we let them and we help them in return.
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true,
But I know I'm who I am today because I knew you:

Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun.
Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you I have been changed for good.

It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime,
So let me say before we part
So much of me is made of what I learned from you,
You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart,
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend:
Like a ship blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea,
Like a seed dropped by a skybird in a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you I have been changed for good.

And just to clear the air,
I ask forgiveness for the things I've done you blame me for,
But then, I guess we know there's blame to share
And none of it seems to matter anymore.

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better.
And because I knew you I have been changed for good.

I have to tell you, tears filled my eyes as I typed those words. How many people could I say that to? Thank you for being a part of my life. Aren't those wonderful words? Wouldn't it be wonderful if that's the way people thought of you and me? I thought of Paul and Barnabas, David and Jonathan. I thought of Pat, Bobby, Rodney, Martha, and others in my life. Take some time today to thank those who have changed you for good. Have a great day. JW