Quilt of Holes

[Rhonda]

Quilt of Holes
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 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!

Please share this with someone you love, care about or even someone who
needs Jesus in their heart. They may scoff, but at least the seed has been
planted, and God will do the rest. May God bless you today and Forever!

And so you are blessed! RECIPROCATE PLEASE!

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."

Father, God bless all my friends
in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their life be
full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer
relationship with you. Amen.