Tour of Heaven

I once read a story written by the father of an adult child with Down Syndrome that greatly impacted my heart and the way that I view Rachel.  The plot of the story was that a middle-aged man name George was visited by an angel and given a 1-day pass to Heaven for the purpose of learning what the true meaning of life is.  While on a guided tour of Heaven he meets people from his history and from his past, each encounter bringing him a new perspective on what he previously thought life was all about.  He met his third grade teacher, his great-great grandfather and Abraham Lincoln, to name a few.

Toward the end of his tour the angel and George came upon a large crowd huddled around a man who was talking to them excitedly and with enthusiasm.  George could not see the man speaking nor quite make out what he was saying, but could see that the audience was emotionally wrapped up in what was being said.

“Is that Jesus?” George inquired of the angel.

With a knowing smile the angel replied, “No, that isn’t Jesus.  Look closer.”

As the two of them came closer and closer to the crowd George began to pick up on pieces of what was being shared with the group.  He was talking to them about love and it’s all encompassing power to heal the hearts of others; that a simple hug or just listening to someone share their burdens could bring peace to a tortured soul in ways that nothing else could.  He recounted example after example of times that he had been able to bring joy into someone’s life on earth because he had taken the time to love them.  His words were rich with meaning, depth and beauty; he spoke with the kind of humble authority and fluidity that all pastors strive for.

“Well, if he isn’t Jesus then surely he must be a powerful evangelist or Christian speaker of some kind.”  George commented.

Again, with a smile that hinted on amusement, the angel responded, “George, look at his face.  Really look—you know this man.”

George squinted his eyes, trying to make out the features on the man’s face.  Something did seem strangely familiar to him, but he couldn’t place it.  The man speaking was somewhat short in stature with slanted eyes and a brilliant smile.  Who is this? George wondered.  His mind scanned through every face from his life on earth that he could recall when suddenly his mental photo reel froze and he realized who it was.

“Angel, is that Joey?!  The bag boy from my local supermarket?” George asked with astonishment.

“Yes, George.  That is Joey.”

“I don’t understand.  Joey had Down Syndrome and was never able to say more than a few halted words to me as he stacked my groceries; I think the most I ever heard him say was, ‘Have a nice day, George’ in that sort of slow and fuzzy voice of his.  Moreover, aren’t people with Down Syndrome mentally retarded?  I didn’t think he really knew much about the world. I just don’t get how this could be the same guy.”

The angel put his arm around George and explained, “Well, George, on earth you all saw Joey as being less, but God saw Joey as being more.  He may not have spoken much out loud, but in his heart he was in constant dialogue with his Heavenly Father.  He may not have understood as much of the earthly world around him as others, but he understood more about the Heavenly world and what it truly means to love.  Up here all the outer things that cause people down there to turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to someone like Joey fade away, and his glorious inner qualities shine bright.  Joey was sent as a missionary to teach you how to look beyond what you perceive, and search for what is true. On earth your ears could only hear his words, but in Heaven you can hear his heart.”

My angel and Auntie Christina

I love this story.  I love knowing that God understands Rachel in her heart and that someday I too will be able to hear her heart speak fluently. I am humbled to think that when it comes to caring for others and embracing who God made them to be, I have a lot to learn from my very own little missionary.