by Joanne Wiklund
So many new babies around. I celebrate them, love them and wish their parents well. They are delving into a whole new life of love and responsibility. When I see these little ones, I think about when I saw both of my kids’ first tears. A little drip down over the eyelashes on that tiny baby all wrapped up. I remember wondering what this child was feeling that provoked the tear. Of course there are physiological reasons for tears, but this mom was worried about her baby immediately.
Is she happy? Is he hungry? (Always) As I think about babies’ tears, I think about tears in general. Our traditions follow us sometimes from generation to generation. Boys don’t cry. Be a big boy. These days, tears are sometimes signs of strength and resolve. There is less stigma against crying in public. Unless of course, it’s an ‘ugly cry’ accompanied by noise and a need for a tissue box. Then I’d prefer not to be in public when that happens. People cry for various reasons, some of which are not necessarily obvious to the “cryee.” New grandparents can really cry!
Joy is a reason for tears. Happy tears are sometimes misunderstood. Get a group together who haven’t seen each other for years and the tears might flow. May all your tears be joyous ones. Happy Babies, everyone!
Psalm 56:8-9, 13: “Thou tellst my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in they book? 9. When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. 13. For thou has delivered my feet from falling, tht I may walk before God in the light of the living?”
Revelation 4: And God shall wipe awayall tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.