Everything happens for a reason. It’s a common expression and suggests a belief in a higher power. For most of us, that Higher power is God. The logical conflict comes when we try to merge the concept of free will with the idea that God coordinates events in our lives.

So what is the truth and how does it relate to our purpose in life?

This question brings to mind the occasional reports from people who claim that they have died, gone to heaven, and were sent back with the statement, “It’s not your time.” Such an experience would suggest that we may each have a mission in our life, and we remain in an earthly existence until we have fulfilled our purpose.

Which brings me to a sad story about my friend, Joseph, who took his own life at age 44. If God oversees our lives, what could possibly be a reason to allow Joseph to end his life at such a young age?

One of the more prominent stories of the Bible concerns another Joseph – the Joseph of the coat of many colors. This Joseph was a man of many talents which led to his success despite the need to overcome extreme obstacles.

My friend, Joseph, was also a man of many talents, but unlike Biblical Joseph’s flashy coat, My friend Joseph found his talents hidden by a cloak of autism. Getting to know my Joseph was a challenge because his condition made it difficult for him to interact with others. That cloak made it difficult for us to see his many colors, his many gifts.

For those of us that made the effort, getting to know Joseph was rewarding. We learned tolerance. We learned patience. We learned the meaning of persistence and courage as we witnessed Joseph’s determined effort to overcome his limitations and conquer his fears. We learned compassion for those who may be different from us.

Perhaps most importantly, we learned humility and shame as we reflected on our ignorant youth and how we treated and abused other Josephs we knew in the past.

And for all we have learned from Joseph, I say, “Thank you, Joseph”

Just as God gave the Joseph of the Bible a gift of many talents and the opportunity to use those talents, God gave my friend, Joseph a gift of a different sort of talents and a built-in obstacle to overcome. It was that obstacle that allowed him to inspire others to overcome their prejudices.

Still, we question why such a person who has taught us so much was taken from our lives. Yet we must acknowledge that it is beyond our ability to comprehend God’s purposes.

If, in fact, God has a plan or a goal for each of us, perhaps my Joseph has accomplished his mission on earth. Perhaps he has earned his reward.

If everything happens for a reason, then perhaps the reason for Joseph’s early departure is because he was due to collect his reward in heaven.

Mission accomplished, Joseph.

Enjoy your heavenly reward. You earned it.