My wife Tracy loves jigsaw puzzles. It’s one of her favorite hobbies and something that brings her both focus and joy. She even has a dedicated puzzle table – complete with drawers, shelves, and a puzzle saver so she can roll it up and take it on the go if needed. She’ll spend hours sorting pieces, assembling the border, and slowly bringing the picture to life one section at a time.
Nothing frustrates her more than getting near the end and realizing… a piece is missing. She’ll check under the table, search between the couch cushions, and sometimes even question our Shih Tzu, Zoe (even though in our house, she can do no wrong). Sometimes the piece turns up. Sometimes it doesn’t. But just one missing piece can make the whole puzzle feel incomplete.
There was a season in my life when I felt exactly like that puzzle.
It’s not that I was unhappy. I had a successful career, a loving family, lifelong friends, money in the bank, and more blessings than I could count. On the outside, everything looked complete. But on the inside, something was off – a quiet, nagging sense that a piece was missing. I couldn’t name it, but I could feel it. I was restless. I was worn thin. And over time, I realized that missing piece wasn’t about what I was doing – it was about why. I had drifted from my purpose.
Maybe you’ve felt that too.
Many of us go through life with most of the pieces in place: career, family, health, and even faith. But without purpose, something still feels incomplete. We were created for more than just success — we were created for significance.
Scripture reminds us of this truth: Colossians 1:16 says, “All things have been created through him and for him.” That longing – that missing piece – is our God-given desire for meaning. Until we connect our lives to His purpose, the picture will always feel unfinished.”
When we align our life with God’s purpose, everything else starts to make sense. The puzzle comes together. The picture becomes clear. As Frederick Buechner once wrote, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” With that clarity, we begin to see the unique role our God-given purpose plays in completing the bigger picture of His plan.
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Joyful – Prayerful – Thankful
Joyful – Prayerful – Thankful is a collection of personal stories, reflections, and practical insights designed to help readers slow down, reconnect with purpose, and build a life rooted in faith. Through everyday moments, seasons of transition, and honest self-reflection, Kevin Karschnik explores how joy, prayer, and gratitude become steady, life-giving practices—not just ideas—guiding readers toward spiritual growth, renewed perspective, and lasting joy.
February 2, 2026
