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Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Quilt of Holes
Since this has been a really difficult time for me, my step-mom sent this to me in an e-mail. We had just had a long discussion about "the times you want to just give up". She got home and a friend had sent this to her. She thought it ironic in that we have been talking the last few days about hard times. It's the typical e-mail "thing", but I thought it was a great little story.

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, 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 God 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!

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posted by Anonymous at 11:52 PM ¤ Permalink ¤


6 Comments:


  • At 3/01/2007 02:55:00 AM, Blogger Jemila Kwon

    A beautiful metaphor. Thanks for sharing.

     
  • At 3/01/2007 02:57:00 AM, Blogger Jemila Kwon

    BTW, sending you a big hug and prayer. I hope things become lighter for you, and I hope you are taking excellent care of yourself in the meantime.

     
  • At 3/01/2007 07:20:00 AM, Blogger Lydia

    On a serious note:

    I'm really sorry to hear that you're having a rough time, Michele. I'll be praying for you.

    On a less serious note, this is how I was half-expecting the Quilt story to end:

    The narrator holds up her quilt. The light of God flows through it and vaporizes anyone who didn't have the sense to wrap their quilts around them. I couldn't decide if it was going to be a humorous or serious ending, but I was expecting something gory.

    Much of the "glurge" I've read seems to end with great harm coming to anyone who doesn't agree with the narrator (or anyone who doesn't have enough faith, or who doesn't do a specific task to *prove* their love for God, etc).

    It's nice to read an email story that doesn't follow these rules.

     
  • At 3/01/2007 08:08:00 AM, Blogger Unknown

    Thank you both.
    Lydia, I agree...many times I get "cheesy" e-mails, that's why I liked this one.

     
  • At 3/01/2007 11:23:00 AM, Blogger Mehl412

    great email - yes, the "cheesy" ones can be bad but i liked this one a lot.
    thanks for sharing!

     
  • At 3/01/2007 03:28:00 PM, Blogger Amy

    Michele, I really like this story. I'm also sending hugs your way.

    Lydia, you anticipated end makes me laugh! Your alternate ending was great.