For Good

I'm a big believer in reading the signs. Every moment of each day, we are presented with life's signposts. These signs can come in the form of people, conversations, events, books, weather, among others. Since so many different formats of signs exist, cynics would argue that by definition, everything is a sign. I would disagree. We know the sign when it appears. We might not like it or what the sign means, but if we are honest with ourselves, we know signs when we see it, or hear it, or feel it.

Today, I received an important sign and it came in the form of a song. Music can be a powerful medium to communicate. I've often included song lyrics in my posts on this blog as a way to reinforce my message. On "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and Fox's "Glee" shows today, the same song was sung. The song "For Good" from the Broadway musical, Wicked, was performed on both programs to illustrate the inner power we have to impact others' lives, good or bad. Our presence changes people. We change things by existing. We change our workplaces, our families and our communities just by being present. That power is a responsibility and should never be taken lightly. Imagine what we can accomplish when we dedicate our lives to bringing good change to others. I've witnessed the positive power of family and friends on my own life. It is a blessing I hope to give others each day of my life.

"For Good" from Wicked
Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

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 re-written 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
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

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood
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...

Because I knew you...

Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good.