Jigsaw Puzzles

I have always enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, and continue to do so.  I do not currently do real physical puzzles, due to a lack of safe space to keep them, without my cats getting into the pieces and breaking them up, or losing them. Although,with some effort, I could probably rig up a system that would allow me to do so.  But, as with my knitting, I suspect I would face a great deal of interference from the cats.

I do try to complete a jigsaw puzzle on line each day.  I have my own system: I like to separate the edge pieces from the center pieces. In doing so, I also separate the center pieces into like colors or designs.  Because the space is limited for this, sometimes I find myself combing colors or designs in one pile, so that it morphs from one thing to another based on minute changes.  This is a bit like life: sometimes we go through life and do not realize the minute changes we are making, but as we do, our life ultimately has become drastically different from where it started.  This is, after all, what all of nature does in evolution!

I recently heard someone comment that, of course you start working on a jigsaw puzzle by setting the corners.  I did not know that, and I have been doing jigsaw puzzles for over 50 years.  (That sounds like a long time, doesn't it?)  Am I an expert? I do not know.  Am I knowledgeable? Yes. Am I good at it? I like to think so, and have been told I am, at various times in my life.

Maybe I have "the eye" for it.  Maybe it is something about colors, shapes and patterns that I recognize.  I do not know.  I know I have the patience and diligence for it. And, I do not need to know what the final picture will be for me to successfully work on the puzzle. So a little mystery does not deter me.

Currently, the online jigsaw puzzle I do has some quirks to it.  The piece shapes repeat themselves, and even the location of the specifically shaped pieces tends to repeat.  Which makes the puzzles less challenging, and sometimes, a little boring. But, other times, there is a new and interesting variation in the puzzle.

And sometimes, due to optical variances, pieces that look like they should fit, do not, while other pieces that seem to be the incorrect shape or size, do fit.  So, sometimes, it is worthwhile to try something that does not seem right, just in case.

I think life is like that.  Much of our existence is a serious of repeats, with minor variations. Sometimes the variations are so minor, we do not realize they exist. Other times, they are so obvious, we can not ignore them. Sometimes, things do not appear right, but are, and yet, other times, we are so sure that something is right, we feel we cannot lose, but we do.

Ultimately, with diligence and patience, the pieces come together and the picture is complete.

The next time there is a trial in your life, think about jigsaw puzzles. Breaking down a large, overwhelming project into small pieces is helpful.  Spending the time to put things in order and make the necessary preparations before you actually act can ultimately be a time saver. Make a plan, and stick with it, but evaluate it as you go along.  Don't be afraid to acknowledge that the piles have morphed, but underneath the top layer are the others with which you started. Be patient. Be diligent. The big picture will eventually develop!