I never thought a
1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle would lead to a blog post. I’ve not done puzzles since childhood, but recently decided to give them a try. I’m now working on my second 1,000 piece puzzle that I obtained used at a thrift store. I was nervous that pieces might be missing. But being an advanced puzzle, with the box in good shape, and the pieces still in the original plastic bag in the box – it made me hopeful that all the pieces would be present. Curses on someone who would donate a puzzle with missing pieces!
This puzzle is proving harder than the first one I did. I think the picture is more challenging, and I am also working on it alone. With the first puzzle, I had a little assistance. As I slowly work on it, I’ve thought of many analogies to faith, doubt, and the struggle to believe!
I’ve often said that Christianity answers more questions than it doesn’t for me. There are puzzling concerns but it puts more of the puzzle together than any of the other options out there – whether another religion like Buddhism or irreligious options like agnosticism. I have faith that the puzzle will one day be complete, and things that don’t make sense eventually will.
As I’ve been working on my tangible puzzle, I realized how much our presuppositions or preconceived ideas influence us. Because of my suspicion that the used puzzle might be missing pieces, it has affected how I do the puzzle. When I am struggling in a certain section, I automatically think that pieces must be missing, doubt the integrity of the person who donated it, and sometimes even quit in frustration. Likewise, I think our underlying presuppositions influence how we view aspects of the Christian faith. There is a difference between healthy skepticism and cynical skepticism. Are we really looking for answers, or just looking for any excuse not to believe? Do we have a heart of faith or disbelief? Many things can influence how we “see” or perceive things. Indeed, two equally intelligent people can perceive the same “evidence” differently – it being solid to one but shoddy to the other.
Several times I was about to conclude that certain puzzle pieces were missing, when lo and behold I found the pieces. They were there all along but I’d simply overlooked them. Likewise, we can overlook evidences for faith or fail to see glimpses of the supernatural. Faith is a journey, and it may take time to find the answers which are indeed before us. I believe that God rewards the honest seeker with deeper understanding. Remember it is faith seeking understanding, not understanding seeking faith.
Sometimes we need fresh eyes. Last night I was 99% sure that 3 puzzle pieces were missing. I had two sections completed but was unable to connect them due to the 3 pieces that I could not find in the diminishing pile of loose pieces. I was about to trash the puzzle, but asked my spouse to come look at the pieces first. He could not find the needed pieces either and was about to agree with me, when he suddenly said “hey wait a minute! there are no missing pieces”! He noted that the puzzle was a little crooked and the so called missing pieces were where the puzzle needed to be straightened and connected together! Duh! I’m now glad that I didn’t give up and trash the puzzle. Likewise, when it comes to the struggle to believe, we may think there is a lack of answers or something missing. While all we actually need is a different perspective or to re-align our thinking.
Despite all my doubts, this jigsaw puzzle continues to come together. It is about 70% complete and I can see the critical parts of the picture. Most of the remaining parts are peripheral. Christianity paints a beautiful portrait of God’s plan for this world. I don’t want to abandon my belief due to some missing pieces. We need to press on and persevere in our faith. The pieces that are together…are enough…and I trust that one day the picture will be whole.
I’m struggling now to make sense of this past year…how can I see things in a “different perspective or to re-align my thinking”? I am trying to remain positive in my faith and trying to keep moving forward – there is no fear of me abandoning my faith – I guess I am searching for those missing pieces.
Your article came at just right the time for me to meditate on these things. But how can I find the time when the demands of my day are overwhelming?
I’m glad my post came at just the right time for you. Thanks for letting me know. But I’m sorry about all the struggles and challenges you’ve faced Patty. Praying God will be with you as you press on each day.
Thank you Laura, I am thankful that God is with me, especially when I stumble. I am still finding my footing.
That interplay with your husband is another great metaphor. When dealing with something in our faith it can be handy to have someone alongside us who says, “Have you tried looking at it this way?”
Another good point Tim. I really was surprised by all the different analogies or comparisons that came to me as I worked on this puzzle. What other new hobby can I try that will give me blog material?? : )
Beautiful analogy, Laura.
I’m struggling with making sense of my faith right now. We’re still searching for a new church, and after a year-and-a-half of this, I’m really tired of walking into a new place, introducing myself, trying to fit in and see how we’d fit and whether the church is a good fit for our family, and still having nothing–not even a friend–to show for the effort. I’m the perpetual newcomer in every area of my life:
Trying to find a new church: have new people to meet.
Kids started a new school: have new moms and kids and teachers to meet.
Moved to a new neighborhood: have new neighbors, new shopping places, etc.
And I’m still grieving the church we lost. That was the one church where I felt safe, and it’s gone, all because of the decisions of a handful of people. I have so many questions right now. Like, is this going to go on forever? And, why did God allow that split to happen, and everyone who was fighting got their own way, and the people who wanted reconciliation got screwed?
I can’t seem to find a different perspective; I’m just stuck.
Laura, I can so relate to your situation. We went through something similar, and finally came out on the other side last year. The wilderness seemed never ending and so discouraging when we were in it.
I think some of us, for very valid reasons, can have a harder time than most finding a church home. Some people don’t get this. And being the perpetual newcomer can be so draining…
We finally found a new church home about 1 and 1/2 yr ago. We are so appreciative of this place, and it still seems a bit surreal (pinch me) to finally have a place we belong after almost 5 yrs.
Praying that God will direct you and help you get unstuck. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the encouraging words, and for sharing. I appreciate it.