This is one of my favorite songs by Eton John. It was recorded in January 1970 but not released until October 26 that same year. When I watched the movie Rockman about Elton John’s life, I cried when this song was played. He wrote this song when he was finding and defining himself. During this time of self-acknowledgement, self-discovery, and self-awareness, his friend and fellow songwriter was with him through it all. I realized that I cried because the pandemic has made me value the people around me in a profound way. When life as we knew it drastically changed, the true relationships went along with the change without missing a beat. These are the lyrics that move my spirit:
And you can tell everybody this is your song. It may be quite simple but now that it’s done, I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words, how wonderful life is while you’re in the world.
The world is experiencing three pandemics: health, injustice and economics. A pandemic is something that affects a wide range of people over a large geographic area. The world is that area. This is the time to take a step back and access what is really important; that is what will get us through. People across the globe have come up with creative ways to assist people in need. That level of caring for others is healthy, just, and priceless. Things are different. Our eyes have been opened to the value of simple things, creation and tapestry of people that cover this earth. The biggest, brightest, fastest, newest, and flashiest are not what are sustaining us right now. The love and support of family, good friends, and strangers are what makes the world wonderful. My sister Shirlene, brother Tyron, and best friend Sonia come to mind. Appreciate your special people. Let them know with words on paper or from your heart how much they mean to you, borrow Elton John’s words to say to them, “how wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”
There are other special people in my life. The little people in my care, and the members of several groups and associates. They make life wonderful too. One of those groups is the members of the church that I pastor. If you are looking for a place to connect during this time of physical distancing, join us. We meet virtually Sunday mornings at 10 am. The information can be found on our webpage, www.eumcbeltsville.com, or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/groups/EUMCBeltsville/. Until next time:
Someone special
Owns a piece of your heart
Nothing tangle matters, just be
Grateful for their unconditional love