Reflection

(continued from Puzzling)

As I finished my third cup of java, I realized that Micheal had lost all interest in the puzzle. He had retired to his "spot" on the floor next to the couch and was engrossed in his latest book. The puzzle master, Mom, had now taken over and was intimidating the pieces into finding one another.

I reflected on my son's frustration and could not help but wonder how he lost hope so quickly. What unknown forces drove his confidence down while bringing his tension level up? How could he not see that he, and his situation, would get better in time?

But his quandary was not a symptom of youth, but a common plaque of the human condition. As optimistic and confident as we like think we are, overwhelming doubt can creep up on us in an instant. Fear and dread can weave themselves into the fabric of our existence. Everyday tasks and activities can become loathsome and exhausting.

So what if we tried approaching challenges as if they were a 500 piece puzzle:

• First, lay out all of the pieces and getter a better view.
• Work the edges, create a framework to build upon.
• Get a partner. A fresh set of eyes will see the pieces in a new way.
• Refer back to picture on the box. If you don't know where you want to go, you probably won't get there.
• If it gets to be too much, retreat to your "spot", read a book (or a blog) and rest your mind for a few.

-b2

@byrdbry