A Vision Full of Surprises

F. Richard Garland

We were in Evanston, Ill., in mid-May for the 50th Reunion for my graduation from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. We came a couple of days early for some sight seeing. In The Loop we encountered an crowd outside The Oriental Theater. "Motown - The Musical" was playing. I said to my wife Cathy, "Interested?" "Yes!" "I'll see if there are any tickets."

So, on a whim, we scored tickets in the eighth row, center stage, and were treated to a high energy production featuring the music that shaped a generation. I expected a great show, but what I wasn't expecting was an insight into something that had shaped my calling and my ministry.  

Partway through the second act we were treated to a Diana Ross signature song. Soon the whole theater was singing and swaying hand in hand: "Reach out and touch Somebody's hand Make this world a better place If you can." It was like having church in the theater. As we sang I found myself reflecting on what had brought me to Garrett over fifty years ago: a sense of calling, a passion to learn and grow in the faith, a desire to share the faith - In a word - Reach out and touch Somebody's hand Make this world a better place If you can.  

Garrett was an idyllic place for me: filled with faith and challenge and opportunity. In classroom and chapel and library I devoured (often struggled) with the sources of my faith, and pondered where in ministry I might be led. In the dining room lounge we talked late into the night about life and faith, shared our stories, our hopes, our dreams. Along the shores of Lake Michigan I walked and prayed and wrote.  

Returning fifty years later has been a privilege and a gift. Once again I saw my sacred spaces and how they had shaped me. A flood of memories blessed me. What I saw of the Seminary today inspired me and gave me hope. The Senior Chapel Service, led entirely by the graduates was a rich blend of liturgy and music, old and new. I was invited with others to participate in the presentation of crosses to graduates. To each I said: "Wear this cross and remember that evil and death have no power over life and love!" Again I watched the shining eyes of faith that had nurtured me and continues to nurture the faithful in that sacred space.  

Commencement on Friday was at First United Methodist Church in Evanston where I had often worshipped and, on one occasion, was privileged to hear and meet The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior. Our speaker was Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez, a distinguished Methodist historian and theologian. He used as his text Acts 16:6-15 which recounts Paul's vision to "Come over to Macedonia." Expecting to find a synagogue he finds Lydia, and with her begins to build a community. Gonzalez pointed out that when God gives a vision, we don't have to know everything, and, if we just begin with what we know, the future will surprise us. As I watched the graduates receive their degrees, and remembered my own graduation fifty years ago, I thought of Jane Marshall's words:  

"Give thanks for the past, for those who had vision, who planted and watered so dreams could come true. Give thanks for the now, for study, for worship, for mission that bids us turn prayer into deed. Give thanks for tomorrow, full of surprises, for knowing whatever tomorrow may bring,

the Word is our promise always, forever; we rest in God’s keeping and live in God’s love."  

I had received a vision that would be full of surprises. It was rooted in the call of Christ: "Follow me." It was nurtured by the church where I grew up, and in the seedbed of seminary education where I was challenged and equipped. I was blessed by well prepared teachers and preachers. I was inspired by musicians who took pride in their craft and taught us that good music is a servant of the whole gospel. I was taught to be attentive to scripture and open to the Spirit. I was invited to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with God - to reach out and take somebody's hand, to make the world a better place. Fifty years later, with those who had shared my journey, and those who were beginning theirs, I have discovered that the vision is as fresh and alive today as it was then. Thanks be to God!

The Rev. F. Richard Garland is a retired clergy member of the New England Annual Conference.