God is never puzzled

After my morning meditation I was responding to an email from my mother and the following thoughts came to mind...

Our lives are a puzzle.

 

Each victory is a visible piece added to the puzzle, 

and each loss leaves a missing space.

 

And yet, God fills in each empty space with his love and grace. 

 

I envision the strong and beautiful arms of Christ 
that were stretched out on the cross 
as the arms holding every piece of the puzzle to my life together...

  

...particularly when it seems there are too many missing pieces! 

  

 Others may see my missing pieces, 

but God doesn't when I am covered, 

bathed, 

filled inside and out with Christ, 

for Christ is holding all of life together.

 

His love protects me inside as I love and release everyone 
who comes to mind in prayer. 
Others' lives are not mine to figure out, 
but to release to God, 
for He is not caught by surprise by anyone's situation 
and loves them more deeply than I!

His love also protects me outside 
when I wear a genuine smile and offer a genuine hug. 
It may be the only therapy I can give another, 
but when I do even those seemingly small things, 
I add a victorious puzzle piece to another's life. 

No thing is too small a gift when given with great love!

Mom, I know you don't write a lot, but thanks for taking the time and listening to me online. Without our email dialogue I could not have articulated my thoughts in such a way. Thanks also for teaching us children to serve others. My prayer is that this piece serves to strengthen other's souls and show them how precious they are to the Lord. I love you Mom and am enjoying this season of life that John and I are having with you and Dad and our wonderful family. This post is dedicated to you! 

I am also dedicating this piece to my good friend Beth who recently filled in a few missing puzzle pieces in my life which blessed me tremendously!