Invented around 1760 by a London mapmaker, the jigsaw puzzle initially served an educational purpose. The inventor glued maps onto wooden backers and cut them along country lines with a jigsaw, creating “dissected map” puzzles. Initially an expensive pastime reserved for the wealthy, their popularity skyrocketed during the 1930s.
Today, jigsaw puzzles evoke varied reactions: some find them a challenging and rewarding activity, while others actively avoid the task. Enthusiasts develop their skill, patience, and ability over time, often starting with simpler 500-piece puzzles before graduating to intricate puzzles with thousands of pieces to achieve that same sense of accomplishment. Essentially, as one’s ability grows, so does their skill in handling greater challenges incorporating multiple angles, colors, dimensions, and perspectives.
Let’s momentarily shift focus from the final product to contemplate the puzzle creator. We’re not talking about those mass-produced, bargain-bin puzzles, but those meticulously crafted by a true artisan using a physical jigsaw. They all begin with one fundamental element: vision. The original creator had an idea and, through a deliberate, step-by-step process, brought that idea to life, resulting in puzzles with hundreds or even thousands of unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Each piece is skillfully perfected to fit a single, specific spot, as conceptualized by the creator’s initial design. It might require turning, examining from different perspectives, or patience before its perfect placement becomes clear. Yet, ultimately, every single piece has its precise purpose and position, and the reward is a beautiful, fully completed picture.
Don’t be puzzled: you also have a creator, and you were designed uniquely, specifically, and with purpose.
Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”