Where is That Missing Piece?

   I have a certain strategy when trying to put together a picture puzzle:

      Separation of pieces into groups: edges, words, objects, colors (whatever is distinctive)
      Completing the outside border
      Continually looking at the box cover to see the completed picture
      Putting any words together
      Doing the same with any objects
      Looking at the puzzle box for the complete picture
      Filling in around words and objects with the correct colors
      Looking at the puzzle box
      Tying objects, words and colors together
      Looking at the puzzle box
      Filling in the holes
      Seeing the completed puzzle that matches the box top

   Enclosed in this strategy is a continual looking at what it is supposed to look like when completed. I have seen puzzles where there is no picture on the box to guide a person. You have to put it together to see what it is. Now that is hard.

   It is the same in life. If I am striking out on my own, with no guidance, and no idea of what the result is supposed to be, I face an uphill battle. But if there is an end in sight, even if there are many holes without pieces in them, the path is much easier to follow.

   How about these verses from Proverbs 3 this morning?

     "Trust in the Lord with all your heart
     And do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶      In all your ways acknowledge Him,
     And He will make your paths straight.
⁷      Do not be wise in your own eyes;"

   There is help out there. God does not expect us to find our way without guidance. He is there, He cares, and He will help.

   Trying to do it on my own is like working a puzzle without a box lid picture.

   If I am having much difficulty living life with any meaning, maybe it is because God is that missing puzzle piece that I dropped on the floor, and forgot.