Years have flown by since you and I
were close friends, come what may.
I played the fool and stumbled on
until I lost my way.

A phone call came, a sad voice said,
"Your old friend passed away."
I recalled your words of warning
as though you spoke today.

I came back home for your funeral.
Your bible was at your side.
I picked it up and saw the words
you once had underlined.

You had often tried to tell me --
I'd shrug and turn away.
Now reading in your old Bible,
once more I heard you say:

*Come unto Me, all who are heavy laden,
Come unto Me and I will give you rest.
He that comes to Me, I never will cast out.
Give Me your weary burdens 
And I'll give to you My best.

The preacher told of how you loved
and served in Jesus' name;
He said since you met the Savior,
you never were the same.

I knew you were the kind of man
that I could never be.
If only the God who loved you
could care for one like me!

The preacher said with assurance,
"There's hope for all who come.
The Savior is waiting for you today~
Will you be the one?

With trembling legs, I knelt down there,
not knowing what to say;
As tears began to overflow,
I heard you and Jesus say:

*Come unto Me, all who are heavy laden,
Come unto Me and I will give you rest.
He that comes to Me, I never will cast out.
Give me your weary burdens
and I'll give to you My best.

In that moment's sweet surrender,
I laid my burden down
For Jesus Christ had paid the price
the day He wore the **crown.

I weep no more in hopelessness~
for heaven I'm prepared.
I praise my Lord for you, old friend,
and the words of life you shared.

*Matthew 11:28-30 and John 6:37, paraphrased

**The crown refers to the crown of thorns
Jesus was forced to wear when He was crucified.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature;  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV)