The Quilt Holes

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 every day 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 wealth, 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!

God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk
away, who you let stay and who you refuse to let go.'

When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all
you need.

I hope you don't see your quilt for years and years but I know it will be as
beautiful as you are.