Back to favourite Devotional readings
Tapestry of Life
(Unknown Author)
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
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 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 through 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,
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."
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let
your light shine before men is such a way that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14,16 (NASB)
Would you like to read more of this
sort of devotional? You will be blessed by the inspirational messages
http://www.angelfire.com/wa3/shout4joy/Stories.html
