My 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 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. >>
Judy
"All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them"-Walt
Disney
"We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our
hopes." - John F. Kennedy
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