....Several years ago I had purchased one of those multi-thousand piece puzzles. It was a spectaclar view of a sunset.....the sun just touching the oceans edge, the sky exploding with hues of burnt orange, pink and purple....fishing boats in the far off distance..and a beach with a few scattered souls, young and old.
Each night I would devote a few minutes putting the pieces together. Holding the cover of the box to my nose, hunting for the pieces to match. I held that box to my nose so many times, and for so long...I felt as if I had been on that beach...as if I was one of those souls in the puzzle.
Months later, the night arrived.....just a few pieces left and the puzzle would be complete! Just as I picked up the last piece to insert, I gasped! "Oh no!'.....There are two spaces open and I only have one piece left!"..I searched everywhere for that missing piece. I could not believe it...all that time and effort....my beautiful scene of the sunset...incomplete by one piece!
My son walked into the room..."finish it Dad?" he chimed. I smiled, "yes...its all done". "But Dad..... Look!you are missing a piece!" he exclaimed.
The next day I went to store and purchased a frame for the puzzle with the missing piece, and carefully framed the puzzle. Everyone that sees the puzzle has the identical reaction..."hey! did you know you are missing a piece to this puzzle?" I simply smile, and reply "yes....that is why I have decide to hang it....as a reminder....for people will always be quick to notice what is missing from this beautiful picture as opposed to noticing the beauty that is really here".
Another reminder on how life should be lived. See what you have, not what is missing!
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21 comments:
Very nice entry... and good advice!
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind
Great message Marc!
We can always count on you to see things from a unique, and often over-looked perspective. How true that people hone in on the negative more often than the positive.
Tammy
I just found your journal and I love it. I will add yours to my alerts. It so true we all should see what we have and not what is missing. I too live in your neck of the woods, a little further south in Kendall. Look forward to reading your journal. *Louise*
Hi Marc...just when I was thinking life sucks you gave me a reality check! Thanks, I needed that!
Wonderful entry-thank you!!
Ahh, now that is what we writers call politely driving the point home.
Rebecca
Okay, you had me all ready to put a link to the 'Souls' entry from my journal. Now, it will be a double shot!
Thank you my friend. Your perspective is a gift, and a blessing.
~Dona
something as simple as a puzzle can be profound when veiwed by someone who is obviously intelligent and thoughtful...........
thanks for helping me put some of the pieces of my puzzle in place
:) Cristy
Everyone of your stories has a wonderful message~
Thanks!
~Marie
It's under the couch.....
Navigated here via CarnivAOL . . . this is wonderful! What a great lesson!
http://journals.aol.com/cyndygee/TheRealWorldofcyndygee
LOL at monponsett...Marc, I navigated to this particular essay from CarnivAOL (I made it this week, too!)...congratulations on writing another beautiful essay. I like what you've said here very much.
Judi
First time reader, first time caller......
Marc, this is excellent. Very poignant. I will be back for sure. I came in via CarnivAOL.
Chris
http://journals.aol.com/swibirun/Inanethoughtsandinsaneramblings
http://journals.aol.com/swibirun/MyJournalJarSaturdaySixetcanswer
Ahhh...this is one of my favorite entries of yours! It speaks louder the second time reading it, than it did the first. I'm glad you submitted it to the 2nd Edition of CarnivAOL.
Best,
Judith
http://journals.aol.com/jtuwliens/MirrorMirrorontheWall
I love an essay with a distinct message...very good. Putting you on my alert thingy...Sandi http://journals.aol.com/sdoscher458/LifeIsFullOfSurprises
I guess people do tend to look at imperfection. I guess I never would have looked at it that way....until now!
Wonderful entry, I am so glad I read it.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/Family
I enjoy all your entries.. the funny ones give me that little lift I need ... but ones like these.... make me go HMMM? MMM? Ah haaa!! OHH !! They are very special and give me something to think about and something positive to fill my mind with. Another great one Marc.
I was going to tell you why my puzzles always have a missing piece - my cats play with them. But, your story is wonderful. I'm going to buy a puzzle, I hope the cats get a piece.
-Jan
I have read through this entry twice now. I cannot believe what a powerful sentiment that framed puzzle shouts. Amazing. (Can I mention I totally suck putting together puzzles?!)
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