The Quilt

As I faced my Maker at the last Judgment, I knelt before the Lord
Along with the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives, like the
Squares of a quilt, in many piles. An Angel sat before each of us
Sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.
But, as my Angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how
Ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant
Holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been
Difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday
Life. I saw hardships that I had endured, which were the largest holes
Of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny
Hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color
And the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and
Was disheartened. My Angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth
Together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time
Came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the
Scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn, holding up their
Tapestries. So filled their lives had been.

My Angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to
The ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love
In my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness
And death, and false accusations that took from me my world as I knew
It. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the
Temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and
Begin again. I had spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for
Help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule,
Which I endured painfully; each time offering it up to the Father in
Hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze
Of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My
Life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it had been.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.
An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who
Stared at me with eyes wide. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before
Me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image. The face of
Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His
Eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My
Life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life
Is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was
More of Me than there was of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine
Through.

~~unknown

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