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The Quilt of Holes- Inspirational Story sent to me
The following story was sent to me by our friend, Peter Tram. It is one of my favorites. I don't know who wrote it, but its been around the internet for awhile.
The 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 pai nfully, 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! 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." When there is nothing left but God that is when you
find out that God is all you need. 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.
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Creation date: Jan 8, 2008 4:02pm Last modified date: Jan 8, 2008 4:02pm Last visit date: Mar 2, 2021 6:08am
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