Quilt 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 was our life. A quilt, of my life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my quilt squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each quilt square was labeled with the stories 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 quilt holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other quilt 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. The story of each of their lives had been so filled. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. Quilt holes! 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 holes, 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 story of my life was what it was, and I had to accept it.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined quilt squares of my life, with the holes, 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 quilt 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."

Prayer: Christ our Redeemer, help me to have a quilt as wonderful as in this devotion.  Let you shine through me better and better every day. AMEN