Thanks to many wonderful people and special friends, my birthday today was a very memorable one! But this evening, as I opened cards from friends and relatives from far and near, something a bit “puzzling” emerged. Each card contained several puzzle pieces inside of it!

As I read the messages inside of each card and chatted with my family on the phone, the pieces to this puzzle all started coming together. Come to find out, my creative sister had sent the pieces out to everyone ahead of time! As cards were opened, each piece fell into place and a beautiful picture began to emerge.

There was an important message behind this mystery. To sum it all up, Esther and Dad had written a beautiful poem to powerfully communicate this truth. I hope it inspires you as much as it inspired me!
 

Each Piece for a Purpose

The pieces are coming together, Robert
The pieces of God’s perfect plan
That demonstrate clearly what He can do
Through the life of a faithful man.

God has carefully chosen the right circumstances
The people, the places, the time.
And fit them together to work out His will
So through you His likeness will shine.

Some pieces are symbols of your family.
So much you have done through the years
Living and learning and laughing together
Sharing the joy and the tears.

Some pieces are friends He has placed in your life
From Virginia to the “windy city”
Church friends, home school friends, the ITC folks
And elsewhere – There are, oh, so many!

Some pieces look strange and unfitting at first,
Why such doubts, confusion, and pain?
But they draw you to Jesus to lean in the strength,
And comfort, and peace of His name.

He’s bringing the pieces together, Robert
He knows what is perfect and best.
The picture will turn out spectacular, Robert
Just trust Him and He’ll do the rest.