As I faced my Maker at the last Judgement, 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
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.
Author: Unknown
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Submitted,
Senior Chief Don Harribine