“What is the point of working on a jigsaw puzzle? It gets taken apart as soon as it’s finished. Not only is nothing accomplished, but many hours are spent in accomplishing this nothing!” As incontestable as such logic would seem to be, somehow I remain unconvinced. I’m quite sure it is because of my practical mindedness, not in spite of it, that I love puzzles.
The way I see it, puzzles — of every variety: jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, sudoku puzzles, riddles, etc. — are primarily enjoyed for what they accomplish inside of you rather than outside of you. Many people say they are therapeutic; it is deeply satisfying to bring order out of chaos. I’d say one of the most important lessons discovered in “puzzling” is that perseverance in the midst of pain causes joy. Maybe that sounds funny; let me try to explain.
When working on a puzzle — let’s say a jigsaw puzzle — I experience difficulty in seeing how to fit the pieces together. Even if I know how to be methodical as I go about finding the right pieces, it will still take time and patience, and patience means at least some degree of suffering. If I quit because the challenge is too great, or the mental effort costs too much, I will miss out on the education that comes with wrestling to find the solution. An easily solved puzzle does not offer the same opportunity for critical thinking or character development as one that makes me sweat. And there is a joy that comes from accomplishment-after-pain that you simply don’t experience without the pain.
Struggling and persevering through difficulty to find the answer is exactly what we do in the spiritual life. The saints needed critical thinking skills as they sought out the roots of their vices with axe in hand. We certainly do not turn away from the mysteries of our holy Faith as too hard to bother with; we grapple with them and are blessed with light and joy along the way. To apply oneself to putting a jigsaw puzzle together is to exercise the heart and mind for the great puzzles of life, both our natural and supernatural life. There are few exercises that prepare us better. I call that eminently practical.
You say you don’t have time for puzzles. Ah, yes, I understand. There are so many good things to do and only so much time to do them. Your duty may very well preclude your taking advantage of the benefits of “puzzling”, but do not confuse this with the notion that they are a waste of time. Never say or even think such a thing. We are all naturally inclined to turn away from mentally painful activities in preference for easy ones, and puzzles increase our courage and confidence to face and overcome challenges in the most delightful way.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go duke it out with the Rubik’s Cube.
