The joy of puzzles

Crestview

Counting the pieces, wondering what belongs where

As a child, I was introduced to jigsaw puzzles. Doing a puzzle became part of the Christmas tradition and carried on into the new year. The puzzle would be started on the table, and once the border was completed, interest grew. Anyone walking by was welcome to stop and take a look. It was a fun way to connect and create a masterpiece by recreating the picture on the box. Was that really creativity, or was it an exercise in patience?

I wondered what it would be like if there were no picture to guide me, only pieces of various shapes and colours. Would the interest still be there, for the curious, those who like a challenge? What type of mindset draws one to the puzzle?

My grandsons have been drawn to puzzles since they were young. The older they get, the more complex the pictures and the greater the number of pieces in the box. My oldest grandson has a particular gift for putting the puzzle together effortlessly, and I’m amazed that it’s completed within a short time. He enjoys it whereas, if I am helping, I am done after a few pieces are successfully placed.

I began to think about the similarities between puzzles and life. We all come with a pre-ordained blueprint, a set number of puzzle pieces or DNA that define our appearances and personalities. Our emotional side is the part that is usually the last to identify, as it has very odd shapes and borders.

What would happen if some puzzle pieces inadvertently got mixed into another box? Isn’t that life? It is not a prefabricated box of pieces with a known outcome. At the beginning of life, we think we know who we are, but how many times do we go down a different road? How many times will we rediscover life only to be shattered by a wrong choice, a wrong piece or a missing piece in our puzzle? What if someone else’s piece is blended with ours? Are we influenced by that piece? Should it be there, or is it working against us? Are we being influenced by another and not recognizing it? Will our picture improve or become distorted?

Is it better to play it safe and only pull the pieces from our box of life, and not leave the box open for other pieces to fall in? No matter what we are comprised of, I do believe there is a beauty and depth to each of us in our own blueprint. Our uniqueness makes us special; any interaction with others and life experiences enrich us if we allow it.

So don’t hold onto your pieces too tightly. I encourage you to take a step back and look at the big picture. Then, as you walk by the table and view what you have put together, take time to appreciate what you have achieved and look forward to the next unknown piece, as it may surprise you with the result.