We're all working to complete a complex puzzle with the pieces of our lives, something of eternal value. Unlike the ones made by toy companies, the ones we're working to complete do not come in a nice box with a color picture on top depicting the finished puzzle.

With an average life span of 78.8 years, we each get just under thirty thousand irreplaceable days which will come together to create the unique picture of our lives. Some get more pieces, some way less.

I was never told as a child that much of life was not going to make sense, that many of the pieces of my life would have sharp edges, deep pain, grievous loss, and severe limitation attached to them. It's was easy to scream at the silent night sky, "Why me?" when staring down a dragon. We desperately want to put some pieces back in the box.

Those of faith believe God orders their steps, numbers their days, brings together thousands of pieces to create a rich and meaningful life. We claim radiant promises such as, "For I know the plans that I have for you, ' declares the Lord, 'plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." We know our Creator has put exactly the right number and mix of pieces into the boxes of our lives, that when we let Him have His way with us, the resulting picture of our lives will be out of this world.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor has the heart of man even imagined all that God has prepared for those who love him." Suddenly, all the pieces fit together.

Inside are some puzzle pieces of my life, some colorful, some dark gray, even black. I trust God is not finished putting me together yet. May it be so for you.