A puzzle—and a much bigger picture [Part 2]

[This is part two in a two-part series in which the author compares lessons learned while doing a puzzle to a “bigger picture,” i.e., life itself. Lessons 1-3 were in part one.]

1)     Resist the temptation to despair, insisting “The piece I need simply isn’t here!” Giving up would be easy, but is that what you want? With a puzzle, I have sometimes found that if I leave one section alone and go to a different one, when I return the mysteriously missing piece suddenly reveals itself! “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble.” Romans 12:13a (NLT). Further, we’re told in Phil. 4:19 “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (NLT).

2)     Don’t try to force a piece to fit where it was not meant to go. It will not work out well for you – in a puzzle or in life. Proverbs 3:6 says “In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (NIV). Remember the old TV show “Father Knows Best?” Father God always knows best, so let Him lead.

3)     Abandon preconceived notions. I have often assumed that a certain piece goes this-away when it really goes that-away. Sometimes when I turn the piece upside down or sideways, wa-la! I’ve even discovered that I was trying to place an entire section in the wrong spot. Wrong assumptions: We’ve all brought untold problems upon ourselves with those, have we not? The Bible is full of reminders to practice humble teachability. Just one example? “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 (NIV).

4)     When impatience and vexation strike, step away for a while. How very true in life as well. In the familiar 23rd Psalm, we hear, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.”

5)     Celebrate small victories. When you get one section done, rejoice! Same in life. The Old Testament is full of festivals and celebrations. In Ps. 135:3 it says “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; celebrate His lovely name with music.” (NLT).

6)     Puzzle finished? Congratulations! “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” II Timothy 4:7 (NLT).