The other day, I was with my team, hanging out at the Bogus house for quarantine. My friend Hannah had started a puzzle the day before, and we quickly became captivated with it, determined to complete the picture. Part of the picture was a beautiful sky at sunset. The picture was beautiful, but many of the pieces looked similar, almost like it wouldn't matter where you put them. As me and my friends were working on this puzzle,  I caught us saying multiple variations of the phrase “Ugh this piece looks like it should fit here, I just want it to work '' While we eventually got over our frustrations, and finished the puzzle (!!) I couldn't help but ponder how similar our lives are to puzzles. 

I have found myself so many times in my life wishing everything would just go how I wanted. No changes of schedule, easy answers, and an easy life. But as my path has continued, I have learned the realities of life, and how often we are left out of control in situations. And as much as I want to protect myself from hurt and change, I have learned how much sweeter the unexpected has made my life. With my gap year for example, if I had planned this year out, I wouldn't have stayed in Georgia for the first 4 months of my race. I wouldn't have planned an extended break at home due to covid. I wouldn't have planned my squad being delayed a week for launch. In my nature, I want everything to be in control. I want to be the one telling the puzzle pieces where they should fit instead of being disappointed that they don't fit. But the beauty of life: God has already taken care of everything. He is a master chess player & knows exactly how he wants to weave our lives together. 

Everytime I think of the way he is in control, I get a picture of a beautiful tapestry. One of the really really nice ones with amazingly small details. His goodness is so extraordinary. The way he cares so deeply for every person on this earth. I cannot fathom how much he must love me to give me a life as good as this one. I hope this makes you think of all the unplanned good that has happened in your life, and how faithful Abba is through it all!