Reminders from a Jigsaw Puzzle

A friend lent me a wooden jigsaw puzzle--the first one I had ever seen. It is an elegant creation with beautiful, interesting pieces of unusual shapes. Challenging and fun, working it reminded me of several important truths:

  • I find what I'm looking for when I'm looking for something else.
  • I do best when I relax and let the puzzle work itself.
  • A good light helps me see subtle differences. Not everything belongs where I think it does.
  • Telling myself what I should be able to do doesn't help.
  • Work on small bits until it's clear how they fit the bigger picture.
  • Just as I become convinced there are missing pieces, it all falls into place.
  • I must be oh, so gentle.