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 was faced with in every day 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 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 with in 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!
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Deal's Corner 
