We are puzzle pieces.

A strange thing to say, but it’s true. 

Ever wondered what your purpose is? Or struggled with your identity? Or wonder where your life fits into the bigger picture in relation to the people around you?

I’ve had moments of this in different seasons and for different reasons. 

Recently the Lord compared my purpose and identity to a puzzle piece (I love doing puzzles so this made a lot of sense to me, anyone else?). 

When solving a puzzle, it usually takes a few moments of trial and error (or many depending on the piece) to find the right fit. Each piece is unique in that its shape and part of the bigger picture only fit in one place. Sure, some of the pieces have similar shapes and looks, but only one fits in each particular location.

So it is with who we are. People come in all shapes and sizes, and some fall into similar categories, but no two people are the same. Some figure out where they fit, and have a clearly defined purpose, like an edge piece, early on, whereas some are a bit trickier, requiring more time, more attempts, and more patience to land in the right spot. Neither is wrong. In fact, both are beautiful because, without any particular piece, the picture of the puzzle would not be complete.

All this to say, if you have struggled (and let’s face it, we all do in some way at some point) to feel valued or like what you bring to the table is truly necessary, know this:

Without you, there would be a hole. You are necessary, and the picture would not be complete without you.

Be encouraged, you little puzzle piece.