" EVERY TIME YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE TO
ME..."
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 everyday 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 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.
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 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.
I thank You for Your
assuring presence, for reminding me of Your loving care. Thank you for being
concerned about me, my family, my friends, and the many others out there who
rejoice in your blessings. Thank You for the different kinds of blessings You
give me, not just the earthly fortunes people often think of but Your blessings
that last forever.
Father, I take comfort in knowing that the complexities of
this world are not mine to ultimately understand and control. The tapestry of my
life is Yours alone to weave. Let Your will shine through the beautiful colors
that make it, as well as through the holes that allow Your perfect design to
shine through. When I don't understand, I will trust in You. Even when
circumstances seem harsh I thank you still, for I know You are working Your will
out in my life. Lord, I give you my life. This is my
way of thanking You for everything that You have been to me - my Savior and my
all!
By Reggie Gatuslao,
Shared by Joe Gatuslao
Trust
in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ~Proverbs
3:5-6~
Delight
yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~Psalm
37:4~ God
always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.
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Tim
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