Puzzles & Problem Solving

Problem solving and making choices are like putting a puzzle together.

In a crossword puzzle, it’s very helpful to recognize where the horizontal and vertical words cross each other (share the same empty box.)  For example, suppose the horizontal and vertical words share the same beginning box (letter) – i.e.  both of them start with the same letter.  The horizontal clue is “close” (which has 4 empty boxes to fill.)  Now, “close” can either mean to “shut” or “to be near something.” Which should you choose – “shut” or “near”?  The vertical clue is “not ever” (5 letters.) That answer would be “never”.  So, you can clearly conclude that the horizontal answer to “close” in this instance is “near” not “shut”.

Perhaps you enjoy putting jigsaw puzzles together.  How do you handle the pieces you pour out of the box onto the table?  Do you look at the picture first before starting.  Or do you prefer the adventure of being surprised by the picture?  Do you form the border first to build a frame to put the picture into, or do you cluster the pieces by colors first and create small patches you can fit together?  Maybe you prefer solving puzzles which contain only numbers?  Those puzzles, too, have various ways to begin the solving process.

The important thing that any kind of puzzle teaches us is that although there are some guidelines and commonalities to puzzle-solving and problem-solving, there is no one way to accomplish the completion of the picture or the finished product. 

So, too, there is no one way to grow in our relationship with each other or with the Holy One.  What are the unique ways you resolve situations when faced with decision making? Are you at peace with your current “method?”  Are you so boxed in with how you have always solved problems that you completely miss the opportunity to understand that your “clue” might have more than one meaning when looked at from a different perspective?

Blessing on your Journey as you continue to move into the unknown, even though you cannot see the entire picture all at once, even though some of the pieces do not seem to fit into the scheme of things, even though you have asked for insight and answers that do not seem to be arriving. 

Remember, you have made the journey thus far, through many ups and downs, through many unknown and seemingly impossible situations.  Yet, here you are today, able to read this article.  The Holy One has not abandoned you in the past, and will continue to be with you as you move through trying to make sense of the various clues along the way.  You are not alone in this Adventure called Life.