My Quilt
by Margaret Marie Marsala © 6-22-02
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 were. 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 hardship 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 here, 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 death, 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. 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. A
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 Father 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.
Thank you, Pegeen,
for giving us permission to share this story.
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