by Joanne Wiklund
Do I know what tears are? Of course I do. I remember my first baby’s tears, my second baby’s fall downs complete with tears, and fall downs of my own: More tears. I wouldn’t say tears are my go to in times of stress, but I’ve shed more than my share.
But it’s okay. Jesus wept. When it was necessary. Crying is an essential to recuperation from all kinds of stresses, as well as pain. It seems natural to me to cry at appropriate times, but sometimes they come at will and there’s just no way to stop them. I’ve heard the phrase “Ugly Tears” used and believe me, I know what those are, been there, done that, no doubt will continue to do so.
Tears, however, are not always bad. Tears over fresh babies when you know they are complete and whole after birth. When they roll over the first time, when they go potty when asked. A whole lot of tears are often shed then, mostly mom’s not toddler’s. From there on as a parent, tears are a requisite for certain rites of passage our children go through. And those we experience while being a parent.
“Big Boys Don’t Cry” was not a rule at our house. The last rule on our rule list here is “If it cries, love it.” If we don’t ever love, we will never cry. I don’t cry over spilled milk, but tears are always near. I thank God for the relief of tears that He planned for us. If it’s a planned feature of and for our weary bodies, let’s not forget to use not abuse it.