We exist to exhibit God, to display His glory. We serve as canvases for His brushstroke, papers for His pen, soils for His seed, glimpses of His image. Max Lucado (Cure for the Common Life) 
No, I did not misspell the word piece. The piece to which I refer belonged to a puzzle we recently completed. It’s titled The Healings of Jesus Christ, and it could be an incredible teaching tool for anyone new to Christianity or a great refresher course for longtime Christians.
The outer edge of the design contains thirty scriptures that can be referenced for added benefit. Within that border are thirty scenes, blended together, that depict the verses in the border. At the center is a large interpretation of Jesus, arms open in welcome. Excerpts from the scriptures float near the image of Jesus. Each of the scenes is numbered to correspond with the verses in the border. You can see what a great tool this puzzle would be for describing the man who was the living, breathing Son of God. It also illustrates his humility and willingness to mingle with the common folks of His time.
As the puzzle began coming together, Ken and I both became concerned that one piece was missing. Its shape and color were distinctive, and there were no pieces on the table that fit its description. We often acquire our puzzles from flea markets or estate sales, and when you do that, you face the possibility of missing or damaged pieces. Sometimes people are careless when they disassemble the puzzle and break fragile pieces or cause the top layer to split from the rest of the piece. We all have a tendency to snack while working on a puzzle, and some of those snacks get a little messy, and we have encountered mold a couple of times.
Don’t get me wrong, the majority of used puzzles are just fine; only occasionally do we buy one that is questionable in quality. As we drew close to the finish line, it was clear that the piece that had garnered our concern was nowhere to be seen. We finished our masterpiece and searched the floor diligently, peeking under lamps, in the heating vent, in the cracks of chairs, and even in our pockets. It’s amazing how those pieces can migrate. But, alas, no piece was found.
We were really disappointed. The puzzle was so beautiful and could have been a source of enjoyment and learning for others. We had planned to place it in the church library with the other lending puzzles, but we were asked that donated puzzles be complete and undamaged. After some thought, we decided to take it anyway and to place a note on it explaining that a piece was missing, but that it was still well worth the time to work on it and learn a bit along the way.
Before I got around to writing that note, I happened to wander into our guest room for something and saw a dark spot under the edge of a pillow. And, of course, it was our puzzle piece. We’re not sure how it got there, but we were elated to find it. Now the puzzle waits in the church library, complete and undamaged, for someone to enjoy. But, even in it’s imperfect state, I would have been glad to work it again. It was well worth it.
I know that I often mention imperfection, and that’s because we’re surrounded by it. This incredible world we call home always has been and always will be filled with mistakes and imperfections. But the good news is this: just like that lovely image on our puzzle with arms open wide to greet us, Jesus really does offer everyone the invitation. And, as Pastor Sarah likes to remind us, he doesn’t ask us to clean up our messes first. Wherever we are in this life, whatever we’ve done, He extends an open invitation to His house anytime. Our “piece” was restored at just the right time, and Jesus offers each of us His “peace” for a lifetime.
Just like our puzzle, I am reminded that I am not perfect either,
But Jesus loves me anyway.
And at the right time, He will make me whole!
(And that’s a Marcy Barthelette quote.)
