Puzzling

As I grow older I am learning to embrace my authentic self. And that self, my friends, is a bit nerdy. A hobby that brings me joy lately is working on jigsaw puzzles. I opened a new one this morning, sorting edge pieces and brushing away the puzzle dust that fell from the bag. As I said, probably a nerdy way to spend a Saturday morning, but I really don’t care.

Studying the compiled pieces, all with at least one straight edge, they didn’t look like enough to build a frame. But I started anyway, trusting that the result would be a complete border. Isn’t that what we do? Start even though we aren’t sure of the result. And 20 minutes later, I had a foundation to house the remainder of the 1000 pieces.

My process will continue by sorting into major color groups and patterns, piecing together a part of the whole, until the parts are big enough to join together and become the whole. This involves raking my hands through the box, searching for specific shades and textures. Once I think I have enough to begin, I start to work matching shapes and outlines. Isn’t this the way it works? Searching for common threads and ideas until we know which way to proceed. This goes on with each successive section, until the clusters of colors and shapes become large enough to attach to the frame, no longer drifting in the middle of nowhere.

Once I have several sections assembled, it starts to be recognizable. Isn’t that how it is? Pieces fall into place and suddenly we see the bigger picture. There are still lots of separate pieces waiting to be fit together but the connected parts take up most of the space. This is when the momentum picks up and the process gains speed. It seems easier to place pieces in the right location because the big picture is becoming clearer. Isn’t this what happens? We start to see results and are inspired to reach the goal.

Then one day, the goal is met, the picture complete. It is a satisfying experience to take it all end and see each outline fit perfectly into its neighboring pieces. I like to leave it there for awhile and admire the view. Appreciate the work that went into creating a masterpiece. And isn’t that who we are? A masterpiece assembled bit by bit, our experiences softening or sharpening our edges so that that bigger picture can evolve. Knowing that the process of coming together is just as important as the beautiful end result.

Yes, I do love puzzling.