The Puzzle of Healing

The most perplexing thing lately for me to ponder is, "Where am I going with my life?" For twenty-one years I have not had to ask that question. While I never knew exactly where we would be, I had the general idea of what my life would look like. That has all changed. I have no earthly idea what life will look like in five years or even five months. About all I can tell you is what the next five days will look like.

Last night I was thinking how this whole process of healing is like a puzzle. What is the first thing that one must ALWAYS do when putting together a puzzle? You have to start by finding the outside pieces and making the frame. In order for this journey to be a successful and fulfilling one, my life must be framed by God's Word and His direction in my life.

Once the frame is together, then the inside pieces begin to fall into place. What are some of those pieces?

Those two crazy, beautiful, smart, funny and sometimes irritating girls in my life. They are without a doubt the biggest part to the puzzle. They make me happy. It is that simple. I have enjoyed them so much, and I thank God that they fill in just the right spots of the puzzle.

My friends. They love me through and through. I was sick last weekend and had to go to the doctor while I was in Slapout. It is always odd when I have to list the emergency contact. I always pause and wonder whom I should put. When I had to fill in that part of the form Saturday, I didn't even get sad! I just remember thinking how thankful I am that I have emergency contacts not only where I live, but also in all of our traveling locations!

My family. When I need them, they are there. I remember calling my brother on March 6 at 2:00 a.m. and saying, "How in the world am I going to do this?" He said, "Babe, we are gonna get through it together."

People who have already walked their own Unplanned Journey of Divorce. I thank God for each and every one of these individuals in my life. They have helped me navigate the murky waters through the last few months. Since they know the path well, they can forewarn me of the dangers and pitfalls, and they help me to see the glimpses of sunlight that are beginning to show through the darkness. Many times I would have been helplessly lost on the journey had I not had great friends who have already walked it to show me the way.

According to Wikipedia, a jigsaw puzzle is a tiling puzzle that requires the assembly of numerous small, often oddly shaped, interlocking and tessellating pieces. Each piece usually has a small part of a picture on it; when finished, a jigsaw puzzle produces a complete picture.

I am still working on my puzzle. I have a feeling that I will be for a while. For now, I will do two things. I will remember to keep God as the frame, and I will pray for the wisdom and perception to know when the perfectly fitting pieces are laid out for me. One day the picture will be complete, and it will be beautiful!

Footnote (added after the first comment!)
I left out a very big piece of the puzzle! How in the world could I have forgotten my wonderful students??? There is nothing worse than spending hours putting a puzzle together and end up missing a few pieces. Well, I have to say that without my students I would be missing MANY pieces, and the picture would be far from complete. It is very true that they have been a great part of my healing. They make me laugh, and at the same time they teach me patience! I told one of my classes this morning, "I love my job. I really look forward to getting up and coming to see all of you and teach you every day. I just wish that I didn't have to see you at 7:15 in the morning. 10:30 would be much better!"