As I faced my Maker at the last judgement,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 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 melt within my skin beneath the judgemental 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, 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!
Author Unknown..
Thought I'd share this with you all in hopes someone will get a blessing from it as much as I have. Prayers for many folks on here and wishing you a Happy and Healthy April. ~Susie~
Yes, Susie, I did get a blessing from reading this. Your quilt squares must be like these for you let Christ shine through in every post you write. God bless you, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThat is so beautiful. My Bible teacher and I were saying last week that the hardest times seemed to be the times we grew closer to the Lord. When my child was born with multiple birth defects, I asked the Lord, "Will I be able to tell him about God?" In my heart I heard Him say,"This child will be teaching you!!" I am praying for you Susie. I know that you are going through a difficult time with illness. God bless you and uphold you.
ReplyDeleteMy dear Susie, tears are falling from my eyes at this beautiful verse. I've had some difficult times throughout my life, as well as good times, and Jesus has always lifted me up through the hardships. This is such a wonderful verse. I will share it with my kids. Thank you for your prayers for my son and for me as well. It was so comforting to see your thoughtful comment at a time when I needed it the most. I love you, Susie, and thanks for this "quilting" verse. My sister sews quilts, so I thought of her too. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Beautiful and true verses, I as so happy to find this site,love anything Christian related☺
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely, Susie. Thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteSusie, I am trying to type while crying. I have cried on and off all day. I have been kind of sick this week ,plus missing my parents. I think I am weary. I read the poem here and it makes me think deeper than I have been this week. I guess I need to quit trying to carry this load and let Jesus step in to guide me. I am praying for you to have a wonderful weekend. Some sunshine and flowers. Bless your sweet heart. Love you my dear friend, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDelete