Peaceful Pieces

Hey Reader-Friends!

Do you like putting together puzzles? During the winter, when I ‘m wrapped in a Snuggy by the fire and have hot coco in hand, (wishing it was Christmas now, huh? me too!) I tend to think it’s a good idea. The only problem is: I completely and utterly suck at puzzles!

I don’t have the patience for them, they make my vision blur, and if you do get it put together, you just have to put it away in a jumbled mess again.

Puzzles, however, do happen to serve as a great life metaphor.

I always have these kind of thoughts when I go for runs and walks…

Life is SO like one giant jigsaw puzzle. You start with the most obvious pieces-the corners. They pretty much seem like they are just given to you; it seems like there are some circumstances in life that are like that too. For me, it was my wonderful parents and general situation in life. I know everyone’s corners look different…Some puzzles (see where you can insert “life” here?) are rough around the edges.Yet, don’t give up because a corner is chipped or missing because there can still be a beautiful picture in the middle.

I know one thing that helps with puzzle piecing, especially when you are frustrated with the picture not looking perfect or can’t get the pieces to fit just right (maybe the problem is you can’t find that one piece): it’s walking away for some fresh air. You need to get out of that hunched over position. You have to wipe off that scowl and stop pouring over getting the puzzle complete before you live another instant.

Here’s the thing: one day you will be going about your business and you might pass the puzzle…and with one glance…THERE it is! the missing puzzle piece is right in front of you or two pieces that wouldn’t mesh before slide together like easy-peasy!

**You all know I’m not really talking about puzzles, right?**

And every puzzle has a picture! Here’s a little bit of what mine looks like:

Here’s the really outstanding part about all this! I’m coming to terms with not understanding some things in life, because I’m trusting that all will be made known in the end. Ah, faith. Such a complex thing.

I’ve tried so hard to put together my puzzle…I’m learning to take my time.

In addition, I’ve tried so hard to be a put together puzzle before God, but oh my, have I failed. Frustration to no end. I have thrown myself against the wall, shattering into the  million pieces I started out with. And as I pondered this whole life thing on my run the other day, a song I didn’t even realize I had came on my iPod began to play. The lyrics are my anthem right now:

I'm here again
A thousand miles away from you
A broken mess, just scattered pieces of who I am
I tried so hard
Thought I could do this on my own
I've lost so much along the way
Then I see your face
I know I'm finally yours
I find everything I thought I lost before
You call my name
I come to you in pieces
So you can make me whole
I've come undone
But you make sense of who I am
Like puzzle pieces in your hand,
Then I see your face
I know I'm finally yours
I find everything I thought I lost before
You call my name
I come to you in pieces
So you can make me whole!
I tried so hard! So hard!
I tried so hard!
Then I see your face
I know I'm finally yours
I find everything I thought I lost before
You call my name
I come to you in pieces
So you can make me whole
So you can make me whole

-Red

Patiently and Peacefully in Pieces,

Amber Marie