puzzle heart

as i was working on a puzzle with my special kids, i saw their futile efforts to try and create order out of the chaos. what they needed was modeling, guidance, and prompting to do it right! it was then that i had a revelation about my life and God's role (yet again). 

sometimes, i see myself as bigger and wiser than i really am. when i'm trying to solve a puzzle (questions of life), i try with all my might to stubbornly squeeze that puzzle piece (person) in a place where it just doesn't belong (in my heart). it may even fit properly if we manipulate and jam it in there (forcefully), but then the picture won't look quite right (it just ain't right) and the piece cannot stay there for long. 

funny thing is, if i just use the box, i can see where the right pieces go and when. but i'm impatient, stubborn, frustrated, and anxious (all bad things).  the box cover big picture is a guideline for completing the puzzle, just as the Bible is for our living our lives. i must admit, it's not easy looking at the picture each time we have a new piece - it takes time and discipline! and my quick-witted and self-sufficient (sinful) mind would rather just try and find the right place on my own.... but alas, all of those were mistakes made from greed, idolization, and pride!!!! 

i'm confident that the puzzle will be completed one day and finished to it's perfection and beauty. but in the mean time, i need to remember that God is the one who drew the picture in the first place and put the pieces on the table for me. i just have to let Him guide me towards the right match!!! and i am allowed to take my time. i'm not competing against anyone but myself!