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. and may you find
Comfort in the arms of Jesus.


Music playing is the (c) material of Bruce DeBoer


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