The Missing Piece

I love a good jigsaw puzzle. When I see the beautiful image on the box lid, I can't wait to begin assembling it myself. But the amazing thing is, every time I pry open that container, what I see inside looks nothing like the illustration on the outside. Instead, it's a jumbled up pile of misshapen little pieces. I often become discouraged as I endeavor to match the little crooks and curves into a frame, and then add the individual fragments of that bigger picture. But then, just when I'm on the verge of giving up, it all comes together. And there, in all its glory, is a project complete--a larger version of that smaller rendering on the lid. What an accomplishment!

During the recent season of Advent, on the Saturday of the third week, we heard the reading from Matthew 1, in which the genealogy of Jesus was outlined. So many names, it was easy to either tune out, or wonder why this list of people is even necessary. What is the purpose of this group of hard-to-pronounce individuals, some of whom Scripture makes little mention? Why all those little pieces, when we know the story is really about the coming of the Savior?

But let's take it back to the puzzle analogy. I have sometimes experienced that agonizing moment when I realize there is only one piece left to complete the picture...but it's missing! That one piece ruins all those hours of work. It just isn't what it should be without that one seemingly insignificant little segment.

Thus it is with the lineage of Christ. Each person was another piece in the "puzzle" of God's plan to bring His Son to earth. Each life was important to the bigger picture. Each had a part to play. Every individual was significant. In their time, in their world, their life contributed to bringing about the paramount moment of all time: God became Man.

And so it is with each of our lives. We are each just one piece of the "puzzle" of the plan God has to reach our world. Each of us has a place, a purpose, and a path. We may not feel as if what we are doing is momentous. However, our life is touching so many around us. We are part of the bigger picture, no matter how many crooks and curves life throws at us.

God sees the bigger picture. He knows how each of us fits "just right" into His design. We can't allow ourselves to become discouraged with the process. As we walk His ways and seek His direction, let us listen to His voice, and be "just the right piece" for our generation!