|
This letter is one of those unexpected outbursts of creativity. At times it seems that an angel drops a thought into my mind that compels me to write. It is happening more and more often lately. The unseen world is shrouded in mystery.
Lately I have been reflecting upon the way I met Rebekah, my handmaiden of 34 plus years. I was taking a walk and observed a church up on a hill made of adobe bricks. I said to myself, “Hmm, that architecture is quite unusual. I must take a look.” I walked up the hill and tried the massive door of the church. It was locked. I looked about and found this young woman behind a typewriter in another building.
|
I inquired, “Would you have a key to the church? The unusual architecture fascinates me.” She got the key. We walked over to the church, which was only a few steps away and opened the door. I inquired, “Does the pastor of this church teach about the gifts of the Holy Spirit?” I do not recall her answer; but at that point our spirits leaped inside of us and 16 months later we became man and wife.
These kinds of experiences have punctuated my life ever since; and from time to time I feel compelled to record them. And of late, I have enjoyed including pictures wherever possible.
Last week I was assembling a number of journals on our work table
|
|
when my eyes fell upon a piece of a jigsaw puzzle. I had noticed it for quite a while. Eventually the box for the puzzle disappeared.
|
Rebekah had assembled the puzzle during the winter. It was now the middle of summer.
I picked up the solitary puzzle piece and held it in the palm of my hand. I began to reflect upon the various seasons of my life. There were those years I felt quite alone just like that lone puzzle piece - wondering where I fit – what school to go to - what kind of a job I would have after graduation - where I would live and if I would find the woman that would complete my life?
The time eventually came when my world seemed full and rich and complete; when I thought I had found my niche. The time did come when it seemed as if my life was in perfect order and I had achieved what the world calls “success.” But at that very moment the proverbial rug was pulled out from under me. How can I best describe that season? One day I “belonged” and the next day I was a social outcast and misfit. In a city of five million people I suddenly was the loneliest
|
person in the world. Where I fit before, I no longer fit and was not allowed to return to. I was like that solitary piece of the puzzle that I am holding in my hand. I was like a man without a friend or family, cause or country. No one rolled out a welcome mat anymore. I survived, but only barely.
How can I best explain with a few words that in-between season? I can; but I would need to write a book that has already been compassionately and insightfully written. The author’s name is Paul Tournier, a Swiss doctor, now deceased. What a beautiful gift he gave to all of us when he wrote: “A PLACE FOR YOU.” We have had his book on our bookshelf for many years but I don’t recall ever reading it. But after holding that little stray piece of a jigsaw puzzle in my hand, I was reminded of the book and got it from the shelf.
As far as I am concerned, Paul Tournier is not dead. He is very alive for me and I would like him to become alive for others - for those others who have not discovered their place. I make this audacious claim:
You will be able to cancel all future appointments with your psychiatrist or psychologist after meeting Paul Tournier. You will not only meet Paul Tournier, but you may also meet the Man who moved upon him to write the book.
I passed the stray puzzle piece on to my friend Roger. He now carries it in his wallet as a reminder of my search and his own search for that wonderful place of “belonging.”
This morning I asked our friend and housekeeper, Kathy, to take a picture of a puzzle piece that I borrowed from a puzzle that is still intact. After taking the picture, I returned it to its proper place. The name of the puzzle is: “LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS.” I also took a picture of the cover of the book: “A PLACE FOR YOU.” There is bound to be someone in the “Reader World” who feels like that stray puzzle piece and will either borrow or purchase the book. For me, reading the book was like finding my way home.
|
|
PS: We invited anyone who has a strong desire and need to read the book in the quiet and protective space of “The Upper Room,” to contact us. You can see and feel what “The Upper Room” is all about by going to this link on the web:
Click Here for "The Upper Room"
|
