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.
(Author: Unknown to me)
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
To My Friend
Carmen
Thank you for sending this to me.
From The Heart of Angel
This story touched my heart when I first read it as it reminded me of my own life and the many struggles that I have been through. I sometimes think back on when I was a teenager and the dreams that I had for life. It was one of the lonely times for me as I never quit fit in with others around me or at least it seemed that way to me. I had responsiblities that I had to do as a child and couldn't go out and play like the other kids could. It was a difficult time for me and when I did get a chance to get out of the house I would go up into the woods near the house and just sit under a big tree and talk with God. I spent many nights crying myself to sleep. And now I look back and see where I have been and what I have been through and I wonder how I ever made it and can only answer by the grace of God. I have been unfairly judged all my life and continue to be each and every day. I don't always hear what is being said, but I know by peoples looks and attitudes that I am being talked about. I have many problems that I am currently trying to overcome and am having a struggle with it. But will make it through it all anyways and there will probably be a few more holes in my quilt.
