HEAVENLY QUILT

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
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 eye

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!

~Author Unknown




Creative Spiritz

Happy Sabbath! :D