The Quilt of Life

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along

with all 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 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 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 was.

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 wide eyes.

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.

Please share this with someone you love, care about or even someone who

needs Jesus in their heart. They may scoff, but at least the seed has been

planted, and God will do the rest. May God bless you today and Forever.