Things we do in life have tremendous consequences

St. Thérèse de Lisieux (often called the Little Flower) once said, “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word, always doing the smallest thing right and doing it all for love.” The following story, “The Quilt Holes,” by an unknown author illustrated her attitude.

“As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with other people. 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 representing our lives. 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 large holes.

“Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, along with the challenges and the everyday temptations I faced. I also saw the hardships I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

“I glanced around me and notice everyone else had different types of squares. Some had tiny hole here and there, other people’s tapestries were filled with rich color. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, worn and threadbare.

“Finally, the time came for each life to be displayed, held up to the light – the scrutiny of truth. The others rose and held up their tapestries. Their lives seemed to be so full. My angel signaled for me to rise.

“My head dropped in shame. I hadn’t had many earthly assets but I did have love and laughter in my life. I also experienced financial trials, various illnesses, and false accusations. I had to start my life over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to muster enough strength to begin again.

“I spent many nights on my knees in prayer asking the Good Lord for help and guidance. I had often experienced the pain of being ridiculed. Every time that happened, I offered it up to God in hopes that I would not be judged unfairly.

“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 atmosphere embraced those around me who stared at me with wide eyes.

“I looked upon my tapestry. 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 over 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!”

St. Thérèse de Lisieux has also given us a prayer that can help us to be at peace when we follow the Lord. “May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing that you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”