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 was 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 and 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. An 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 and 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! The 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 and temptations and sometimes false accusations, very painful things 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 my Christian walk, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I'd spent much time 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 looked 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 of Christ.

Then the Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes, and 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."

Author Unknown