The Big Picture

For this activity, you will need a challenging puzzle that can be assembled by the family. Do not show them the picture of the puzzle but let them be challenged to assemble it based on their skill. If the challenge is too difficult, provide the picture after they have spent some time without it. We also have to be thinking of the Big Picture when we are late for something. It may not hurt us that much but if a meeting waited on us to begin or we walk into a movie late, we inconvenience others. When they are finished, explain that in order to plan our work, we have to know what the big picture is. What are the important goals of the family? Perhaps this would be a good time to write a family mission statement or for each family member to set goals for the year. Punctuality requires knowing what is more important. Discuss how knowing the big picture makes it easier to assemble a puzzle and to make choices in daily living.

To process this activity, ask these or similar questions:

• Is working a puzzle as a family fun?
• Was it difficult not to be able to see the picture?
• What would your life or your days be like if you didn’t have any goals?
• Do you see how your life fits into the Big Picture of the family? The classroom? The team?
• Will this puzzle remind you to be aware of the Big Picture so you take being on time seriously?