What if you knew the whole story – if you could see the big picture?

I am a big fan of puzzles. Figuring out the proper place for 500 pieces and locking them perfectly into place requires patience, sorting, matching, time, attention to detail, and discovering patterns.

This Christmas holiday, I attempted to connect 1,500 pieces in three days. With the potential for 14 helpers, I thought surely someone would help. But no one was interested. Was it too hard? Were there easier activities? So, I worked diligently as time allowed. Then I had to leave.

Life is the same way. All our puzzles intersecting with each other, some overlapping. Some people you will encounter for a short time, and then leave. Others you spend a lot of time building up the relationship, only to have it torn down much faster than it was built. Finally, there are those puzzles that are so good, that when you finish, you want to glue them together.

So, where do I fit into your puzzle? Do I just a add a single piece, or is my contribution a prominent feature?

Jigsaw puzzles come with boxes that show us what the finished product is supposed to be. The big puzzles can take days or even weeks to finish. What about life? Those puzzles can take months, years, or a lifetime to figure out. If we’re not careful, we can get stuck thinking about the big picture. Instead, work on the little puzzles. Who’s puzzle will you work on today?

Would you do anything differently if you knew you could be the bright spot in someone’s puzzle today? If only you knew that the person you spoke to today was struggling with their puzzle until you came along and made a difference.

I pray this message greets you with love.

Dear God, pour out your blessings on the ones reading this right now. Whatever they are going through, provide comfort. Heal their broken hearts and fill them with your abundant joy. In Jesus name, Amen.

Dear God, I ask that you bless my friendship with my future husband. As we figure out Your will for our lives, thank you for glimpses of the future, so we can cling to the hope for the incredible plans you have for our futures. We know that those plans are “to prosper [us] and not to harm [us], plans to give [us] hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). Thank you, Father, for guiding our paths as we discern your great mysteries. In Jesus’ name, Amen