February 12, 2008

Number 6

VIEWPOINT

Jim Morrow sent me this story called “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 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!  I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word! RA

LIVE TO MAKE A LIFE

Do not live to make a living,

Rather live to make a life.

For the measure of succeeding

Is your service in the strife.

All you ever leave behind you,

When your soul has crossed the bay,

Is the good you’ve done to others,

As you tarried by the way.

Build a life as pure as crystal;

Build a spirit full of love.

Build your mind by noble thinking;

Build a faith in God above.

Build your life with care and patience,

As the sculptor hews the stone,

With the Master as your model,

And your eyes upon the throne.

Noble lives have been a beacon

Lighting mankind’s upward way;

They who serve are the immortals,

Fathers of a better day.

Let your life shine out in service,

Noble living – noble deeds,

And until time’s course is ended,

Good will blossom from the seeds.