I freely admit it: I’m addicted to doing crossword puzzles.
Plain and simple, I take every opportunity I can to relax in my favourite chair, take out my pencil and eraser and start filling in blanks. There are at least three things I’ve noted that parallel my life and, in particular, my spiritual life.
In some cases, the correct answer can qualify as one of several parts of speech: example, noun or verb. That causes me to remember that while you or I may fill a different role in life, if we’re in the place where God wants us to be, we are of immeasurable value.
Next, some questions or definitions may legitimately be answered by any one of several answers. The challenge is to find the correct one; all the surrounding words are dependent on each other. Did you ever feel as if you didn’t matter? Didn’t mean much to those around you?
I’m sure we’ve all struggled with those feelings on occasion but I’ve learned that no matter who we are, we have value to God and to others.
Finally, there simply are some words I cannot come up with. For instance, did you know that pusillanimous is a synonym for cowardly? I didn’t either and the only way I found out was by looking at the back of the book.
When I’ve tried my best and attempted to find the right answer by my own efforts, there’s comfort in knowing the answer exists. Likewise, when life throws unanswered questions at us and we simply can’t figure out why or how, we must never forget to look at the back of the Book.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow nor crying, …no more pain…[He] will make all things new.” Revelation 21:4,5
