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 mustered 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.
