By Pastor Mark Woodward
Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith
Churches (and Lenora)
I had the privilege and blessing to attend Garrett-Evangelical Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois on the shore of Lake Michigan. Those were indeed holy days. My life was enriched by an inspiring preaching professor by the name of Dr. Ronald Sleeth. This gentle man who often wore an old sweater and puffed on his pipe during class was inspiring to me.
He was a remarkable teacher and professor, but he was a common, down-to-earth type of guy who had an uncanny way of portraying the love of Jesus by his methods of teaching and by the ways he modeled and portrayed the Good News of Jesus. He really lived what he preached. Dr. Sleeth was genuine and authentic in living the teachings of Jesus. I was blessed to have him as one of my professors.
Upon my graduation and many years later, I was saddened to learn of the passing of this beloved professor. I was told that his wife, Natalie Sleeth, who was a talented poet and hymn writer, composed the words and music of an inspiring hymn in memory of her husband. In 1986 she wrote “Hymn of Promise” which appears on page 707 of the current United Methodist Hymnal.
As a pastor, “Hymn of Promise” really speaks to me and I am sure it speaks to you as well … It reminds me again and again of the presence of God moving in my life. And it reveals just how close God is to us each and every day – even through our heartaches, challenges and problems, God is there for you and me and we are not alone.
So … as you read this devotional, I invite you to think about Natalie Sleeth’s moving and inspiring hymn and see how it speaks to you …
“In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed an apple tree, in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; there’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning; in our time infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life eternity. In our death a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.” (Hymn of Promise by Natalie Sleeth, 1986.)
I love the beauty and wonder of this song. It speaks to me and I hope it speaks to you. May God’s love bless your day today and every day!
Your friend,
Pastor Mark Woodward
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