the greatest of these.

The gems sparkled in the rays of the everlasting sun; shades of pink and purple radiated the soft glow of rubies, emeralds, amethysts and sapphires alike. The rim of his crown was gold, silver and copper, also accompanied were elements unknown to the earthly man.

            The parade was incredibly massive for this particular family member. The musicians were set and in place for his arrival. The Son smiled the smile of a proud earthly father watching his child graduate or receive a prestigious award. The Father sat on high, prepared to embrace one so very dear to His most magnificent heart. The dancers began to wave their ribbons and batons as the angels fluttered and flew about.  I gathered my crew and prepared to welcome Joshua into the Kingdom. I’m not talking about the Joshua commonly known for taking Moses’ place by leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. No, I’m talking about a young man most earth dwellers have never heard of.

            You see, when I lived on earth, I was what one would call famous. Unlike the Joshua the Heavenly members were preparing to welcome. Yes when I dwelt on earth I was an earthly celebrity. I lived the life most only dream of, expensive sports cars, million dollar homes, Leer jets, thousand dollar wardrobes, I shamefully admit was all once in my possession. I was a household name; some of you may have heard of me, but I won’t bother you with those unnecessary details. My name was in lights; my face pasted magazine covers sitting arrogantly on the racks lining grocery store checkouts. I had it “all” and then one day, at the mortal age of forty-five I died. (it was a fatal car accident. I was driving one of my three Rolls Royces when a little Honda Civic cut me off during a rainstorm causing me to lose control of my vehicle and fishtail into the embankment, rolling down into the murky waters of an unusually deep river. My car was found two days later, my body three days after that.  A memorial service was given in my honor, or so I’ve heard from family members who have entered the Kingdom after my earthly departure.)

            When I arrived into the Kingdom many didn’t welcome me. A few distant relatives and my precious mother came to greet me. Among the few was someone I was not expecting. Her name was Laura; on earth she had the Downs Syndrome disease. I had only met her one time when I made a celebrity appearance at the opening of a children’s home for the disabled in Tucson, AZ. Out of all the children I spoke with, took pictures with and hugged, she was the only one who remained in contact with me. For years Laura would write me letters about things most would think trivial but to her were tremendous. Laura eventually told me about a wonderful man named Jesus. She told me that He died for my sins and would one day return to earth for His followers. At first I thought Laura’s endeavors for my salvation were charming but after a while I knew I needed this Jesus Laura so delicately spoke of.  I died three months after my salvation.

            Cheers began to bellow out of every Heavenly Host as Joshua walked through the gates. Hands clapped, the brothers and sisters embraced, our precious brother was finally home.

            You may ask why Joshua’s homecoming was celebrated far more elaborately than mine? Why his crown was embellished ten times as much as mine, and why Jesus Himself embraced him upon his entrance? Joshua spent all sixteen years of his earthly life in a wheelchair. He was not only paralyzed but also unable to communicate or perform daily routines alone. His four mortal brothers and sisters spent each day unselfishly caring for his weak, frail body. Joshua passed every test the Father set before him. I spent a large majority of my life pursuing worldly pleasures, fleeting passions and mundane wealth.

            Joshua’s purpose for life was to unify his strong, stubborn family. Before he came to earth, the McCline’s were selfish, driven, hardhearted people. The father Peter owned a business. The business was predominantly manual labor. His wife Tracy spent each day writing checks and handling large contracts for the business. Tracy was a bitter woman, she loved Peter but they had become pregnant out of wedlock with their firstborn son Adam and secretly Tracy always felt like her dreams had been taken from her. Once the McCline’s second oldest Julia was of age she helped the business, along with her two younger siblings, Micah and Maggie. The family worked each day with vigor, and the once small business became a mighty multi-million dollar empire, but their hearts were dying with every tick of the clock.

            Joshua was born into this pain and frustration. His gentle spirit quickly began to melt the heart of everyone he encountered. The McCline’s diligently worked together to enhance Joshua’s life, they all knew his time with them would be only for a moment and he was the most treasured gift they would ever receive.

            Our eyes locked as he walked passed where I was standing. I smiled, but for some strange reason I was too embarrassed to reach out and hold him like the others. I was expecting him to continue to walk past and greet the other representatives but to my surprise he stopped. I looked up and Joshua was standing in front of me, smiling. He stretched out his arm and pulled me in close to his chest. I gripped back and leaned my head against him. It was a reunion of best friends who had never met. I began to retrieve my grasp but before I could completely let go he bent over and whispered something into my ear.

            “I remember you.”  He let go and continued with the procession.