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The complexity of puzzles
Yesterday someone asked me if I had any hobbies. I responded by saying, “I really enjoy playing my piano,” but afterwards I wondered why I hadn’t added, “I’m also addicted to crossword puzzles.”
Since that conversation I’ve been thinking about the relationship between those two activities and I’ve come to a conclusion. Playing the piano releases my creative side while figuring out the right answers to what often are the most complex of subjects exercises my brain. (OK, on occasion I admit to sneaking a look at the answers found in the back of the book.)
Settling into my current challenge of semi-retirement, there are times when the only thing that relaxes my tensed body is to go to my Bachman piano and pour out my heart through my fingers. I will never cease to be thankful for the innate ability to play, even before taking lessons.
Now crosswords, on the other hand, are often far from relaxing. In fact, I honour the skills of whoever came up with the ideas of designing a grid, creating words that interlink and selecting answers that often have the most bizarre of definitions. They activate my brain and pull me out of lethargy or a feeling of incompetence.
My heart has been stirred in the past weeks at how the Psalmist David addressed both sets of emotions. A mighty king and warrior who stooped to the sins of adultery and murder, he knew how to appropriate the grace and forgiveness of God. While in his rationality he acknowledged and confessed his horrific sins, he cried out for forgiveness, then simply rested his case in the hands of a God of mercy.
“He heard my cry; He also brought me up out of a horrible pit … and set my feet upon a rock.” Psalm 40:2, 3
Thank God for grace!
