Friday, October 24, 2008

Quilt of Holes~



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 u p 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!

God determines who walks into your life ..it's up to .you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.'
You may have already read this but I really thought is was nice and I wanted to share it on my blog. It looks like were in for a rainy weekend. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy this lovely time of year.Thanks for coming by for a visit.





9 comments:

Nonnas News said...

I've never read that before! Thanks for sharing it, it was really good.
Enjoy your weekend!

The Equipped Life said...

What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing one more diverse version of God's intense love and passion for us.

I'm sending my friend your URL info - she is a quilter and will love to read it,too.

Blessings,

All My Blessings said...

Lisa, I read your poem and wonder just how many holes there are in my square. I've had what I considerd to be trials and wondered how I might get through them and then I remember that God's hand has never left my shoulder...what I wonder is....what am I still holding on to? I guess I'll find out one day..don't get too wet--we're getting a lot of it too here in Mi....Kae

Debbie said...

I haven't read this before, either!
It was supposed to be rainy here as well, but turned out to be a lovely weekend. Hope you enjoyed yours!

Unknown said...

What a lovely story, Its so good to know our Lord is with us always no matter what we do!!! ((Hugs))

Nonnas News said...

You have been boo-ed! Stop by my blog!

Linda said...

That was just Lovely Lisa.
Thank you for sharing.

Have a wonderful Day!
Linda

Tammy said...

That was beautiful...what a picture of God's love- thank you for sharing it.

Jessica said...

That is good!