My Quilt

[Phoebe]

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.