There were two puzzles under our tree this year. One was a scene of chickens, so we tackled it first. We began with laying all the random pieces face up, and sorting out the edges. The twins and I started it, but at least six more people joined in the search for the right home for each shape.
There was a lot of
quiet while we worked. We were too focused on the little piece that was mostly green with the wisp of orange and two outie bumps and one innie. Words only distracted us. But it was satisfying to be elbow to elbow under the glow of the Christmas tree.
It was a handy thing that we started with enthusiasm, because a 1000 piece puzzle is overwhelming. After an hour or two, my eagerness went down a notch, but conveniently the difficulty also decreased. As more of the
pieces find their rightful spot, the picture expands and the loose ends diminish.
I found myself in the corner that had a pumpkin, while Hope was up near the left fitting bits of yellow chicks. Aurelle was trying to make sense of the red feathers of a Rhode Island Red, and John helped with the tall grass. I noticed that when other people worked on their corners, it helped me too. Amazing. I have heard that persevering on your own spiritual growth benefits
the people around you, but this felt like tangible proof.
John and I had a chat about goals for the year. At first glance they were unrelated. He wants to work on organizing his office, and I want to improve my sewing classes. But it felt like two sections of a puzzle we are both engaged in. As he makes progress on his clutter, it impacts the edges of my life as well.
Besides it is more fun than working in
solitude.
