Passing

            My eyes slowly fell awake. As they open I recognize a place I have never previously seen. I feel vibrant and full of energy rather then tired as if I had just awoke. I carefully note my surroundings, being vigilant not to miss a single detail. A golden terrace lay before me. Large arched gates open slightly. Through its golden bars I can see a marvelous city unlike any I had ever beheld. This city does not seem to be built on top of nature but complimented by nature and all its glory. The high rising buildings seem to have grown into place rather then have been built by human hands. The streets are made of rare earth metals too bright to stare at directly. Men and women are flying above and throughout the city with magnificent white wings. As I take my first step towards the entrance I feel as if I have traveled further by this one step then by the accumulation of the distances achieved by all of the steps I have taken prior. As I continue forward I can feel all of my earthly imperfections wash off of me as if by water. Suddenly out of a void that resembles a cloud the figure of a man appears. The beautiful man seems young but wise beyond his years and awarded by experience and excellence. Our eyes meet for eternity in a second. “Who are you?” I ask.

          “I will be your judge,” the man replies. With these words I understand completely what he wants from me, and I from him. “Do you have any regrets in your life?”

            As I contemplate his question my life in its entirety passes before my eyes. I consider all my choices, accolades, weaknesses, commendations, and all my mistakes. Everything I have ever loved, feared, respected, loathed, avoided, and pursued flash before my very eyes in an instant. I am ready to answer his question. “I have made many mistakes in my life. I have hurt myself, I have hurt others, and I have felt guilt and accepted ridicule. But with all of my faults and earthly blunders I have learned to learn. I have learned to accept my mistakes. I have learned to embrace my faults as experience and to not regret my choices but rather to look to my sin as a guide on what not to do. I have also done a lot of good in my life. My family and friends and I share love which is the basis for which I live my life. I enjoy helping all who will accept my aiding hand not for the promise of a favor to be returned but for an investment in my good nature. Thus I will answer your question. No. No I do not have any regrets in my life. I say this as true to you as I can be to myself.”

            The man looks deep into my soul. He then grants me a smile which is returned to him with out hesitation. “My son,” the man says, “I feel the truth in your words.  I recognize the virtue of your character.  I herby grant you the kingdom of heaven and all that it entails.” With one more smile the man vanishes as quickly as he had appeared. The terrace opens for me. As I pass through the opening I am transformed into a greater being. I am no longer just a man. I now am.