Puzzling...
This Christmas break, our household took on a project that, depending on who you ask, was either a memorable family bonding experience or a slow descent into puzzle-induced madness. Dallas won a 1,000-piece puzzle at the youth Christmas party, and like all good Christmas gifts, it quickly became a “family gift,” meaning everyone ended up working on it whether they intended to or not. By day three, we had the border done and a few scattered pockets of progress, a major accomplishment considering half the pieces looked exactly the same. Yesterday, after a trip to the Plaza on the streetcar, Dallas and Sophie got locked in and made real headway. After the Chiefs game, I decided to join the effort. At 11:30 p.m., we said, “Let’s just go until midnight.” Famous last words. You know how it goes...you search for one piece for what feels like seven years, and just when you’re ready to give up, you suddenly find five pieces in a row and feel like you should be hired by NASA. That was our night. We had Christmas music looping, literally made it through the same playlist three times, and every time we checked the clock, it seemed to get later. At 1:30 a.m., we set a hard stop at 2:00 am. A very responsible dad move. But then momentum hit again… and around 2:00 a.m., we all looked at each other and silently agreed, We’re finishing this thing. And we did, around 3:00 a.m. Not my finest parenting decision, but definitely a fun one we won’t forget. This is how memories are made. And honestly, that little moment around the puzzle table is exactly what Pastor Don will be preaching about this Sunday as we finish our Advent series. The message from Luke 24 reminds us that God meets us in the ordinary moments of life. In the text, Jesus is walking with Cleopas and a friend on the road, and they didn’t even notice it was Jesus until after they broke bread and their eyes were opened. They weren’t expecting a holy moment; they were just trying to make sense of their lives. But Jesus showed up. He walked with them, talked with them, and turned an ordinary journey into a life-changing encounter. This Sunday, we’ll be reminded that the presence of Jesus is not reserved for mountaintops or special occasions. He is with us in the everyday moments, like puzzle parties ?, and often transforms them into extraordinary opportunities to know Him more. Can’t wait to worship together this last Sunday of 2025! Troy |
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