Fragments

(with much love to Gary Eldridge)

 The Song:

 

Backstory: Back in the 70’s, Gary and I traveled together, performing often. We performed my own songs mostly, but Gary on occasion – not that often unfortunately – also wrote a couple songs, one of which was “Children,” a true classic, even if not widely known.

Our friendship ended quite a while ago, a matter that still saddens me. We are both considerably older now and have changed a great deal from those traveling days. We seem to have gone quite separate ways. He has no idea what a gift he was to me.

As I went on performing, usually solo, I continued to play that song. Then, as my experience of Christ progressed, it struck me how close in both lyrics and spirit the song was to the special meaning of children to Jesus in the New Testament. So I adapted the lyrics slightly and began singing the new version, with Gary’s approval. Not sure he’d be as supportive about it now, but I have been discouraged from calling to ask. In any case, I came across this recording recently, and was struck by it again, and struck also by a sense of mourning for that lost friendship with my treasured old friend.

To Gary, may you be blessed, and be vulnerable to the blessings when they come.

To everyone else, the song can now have a little more deserved attention. I hope it gives some goodness to you.

Lyrics (McIntyre and Eldridge):

Come to Me, all your children,
For I hear you at your play.
And those who reach up to Me,
I will not cast away.
Do you know how much you need Me?
Do you know how much I care?
My house was made for those like you,
And I’d love to take you there.

Come to me, all you, children,
And whisper in my ear –
What you need so bad to tell Me,
What I want so bad to hear.
Do you know how much you need Me?
Do you know how much I care?
My house was made for those like you,
And I’d love to take you there.

Come to Me, all your children,
For I hear you at your play.
And those who reach up to Me,
I will not cast away.

Those who, in this world are low,
Your friends are very few,
Those who have no glory:
My kingdom is for you.

“Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
-Matthew 19:14

“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
-Matthew 18:3