This past winter has been a time for jigsaw puzzles in our home. More times than not, there is a puzzle on the table in various stages of “put-togetherness”. We have worked on a variety of puzzles. Some of the puzzles were photographs. Others were paintings or animation stills. They were different sizes ranging from large to small. That effected the size of the pieces. Sometimes the puzzle pieces were well ordered and uniform, others were quite irregular.  

Our usual plan of attack is to complete the border first. This is usually straightforward and easy. However, there were times when the border pieces would seem to fit together, then it was apparent that something was out of order. Take those tricky pieces apart and try again.  

We found that not every puzzle could be completed. Since many puzzles were purchased from a sale or thrift store, some were missing pieces. Probably half a dozen puzzles were missing pieces. Usually, there is just one errant piece. However, one larger puzzle was missing five pieces.

Sometimes it seems that life is like a puzzle. We fit the pieces together, sometimes by looking at the picture on the box lid and taking guidance. Other times it is more intuitive, and we seek colors and patterns that may fit together. We are never assured of a complete picture.  

We are in the midst of the Easter season, the seven weeks between Easter Sunday and Pentecost. This time can be something of a puzzle. Leading up to Easter is Holy Week, where Jesus enters Jerusalem with shouts of Hosanna! and that parade of palms. Quickly, things begin to turn from there. Those in power become more determined to rid themselves of Jesus. His disciples continue to be puzzled by what Jesus says about death and resurrection. He’s the Messiah. He’s come to take control, not to die. And yet, he is crucified.  

Easter comes and the women bring the news that Jesus is alive. He has been resurrected. Later, Jesus comes to the disciples. A whole new future lies before them. It is in these weeks that we hear of Jesus appearing to the disciples and other followers. Their reaction is one of astonishment. The unexpected and unimaginable has become real before their eyes. They are charged to share this Good News with the world.

It is a future that they may not fully understand. It may seem to be puzzling at times. They will need to work together and include others to share this wondrous news. We are part of that legacy. We are pieces of the story. 

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. John Tabaka is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe.