The missing piece

I have discovered that I really enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles. I bought this one just a couple of weeks ago because it seemed to be the least complicated of the choices. It was 350 pieces...350 tiny pieces! It started with Kathryn and I working on it, then Julian did a few pieces, but I completed most of it (and want to get another to do sometime soon!). All of that to say this: when we got the puzzle mostly finished, we realized a fish piece was missing. We looked high and low, under furniture and in cushions. No puzzle piece. Honestly, it was fairly frustrating, because I really don't like leaving things unfinished. So we have to just accept that our puzzle will remain unfinished. Ugh.

This got me thinking about my life without Jesus. I know it's a leap, but I really saw how that missing puzzle piece is like Jesus in my life. Before I found Him, I was unfinished, missing something. Not knowing exactly what was missing, but realizing that hole was there. I tried to fill that hole with the wrong things - boys, partying, friends, but those were not the right pieces; they didn't fit. Eventually, I realized that I wanted to be loved - not loved for how I looked or acted, but loved because I am who I am. I am "fearfully and wonderfully made". The missing piece was Love and Acceptance. Jesus loves me in spite of my flaws. His love is the missing piece. Jesus loves me! And he loves you too. He knows what you've done, and he loves you anyway.

I am in no way perfect. But I know I am loved. The hole in my life has been filled. Hallelujah!

Now, if only I could find that missing fishy puzzle piece!