Jamie at ShoutLife.com

Quilt of Holes

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 had been faced with in every

day 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 then 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 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!