Changed For Good

"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."
("For Good" from the Musical "Wicked")

I don’t think it’s because I’m a slow learner – I think the reason we’ve been constant at FPC Garland for close to twenty years is because there has been so much to learn! I have developed in ways that I could never have imagined, and it’s because of the people who shared a dream or an idea, people who encouraged, people who appreciated, and always because of people who loved. And now, in part, because of the great support, I feel confident to question in a new way; a way that I can only find answered by stepping aside. At the same time, I truly believe that another will find their voice, will be encouraged, and will be appreciated. Of that I am certain and eager.

People do come and go – bringing new faces, fresh spirits, healthy varieties, Thank God! If we had not moved from the previous church, of which we were so fond, we never would have met all the wonderful people at Garland. Would I have found the same steps of faith or the discovery in music? And now we are going to explore for a little while. Perhaps be one of those fresh faces that is needed in another community, bringing experiences from a different place. I think Garland has some great accomplishments to share.

And so our journey begins -
and I am definitely not the same as when I first arrived.
Thanks be to God!

"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 re-written mine by being my friend…
I do believe I have been changed for the better."