Tears
To weep is to make less the depth of grief. ~William Shakespeare
The land of tears is a mysterious place as each tear droplet expresses the beauty of its pain or joy. Tears cleanse our souls and powerfully release the pressure we feel in our daily lives. Tears help us focus our vision and our purpose. It gives us the ability to hear and feel our heart again.
Tears need to be shed as they help the body and soul to cleanse many toxins of bitterness and anger, and of disappointments and shame. Tears help our other organs to stay free of disease and sickness, for if one cannot weep, our bodies will. The saltiness of our tears helps to remind us of its cleansing power. As I sit in stillness, I think of the many who are shedding tears, sacred and mysterious perhaps even to their own understanding.
I think of those that weep for their marriage wondering if relief will ever come to their private and lonely pain, and longing and praying for oneness and togetherness in its truest form. At the same time, however, realizing that the shaping of their own character is the forming of an art piece as they search for lasting answers.
I think of the many parents that weep over their children as they continually search for ways to instill in them what is right and what is wrong. The pain they experience as their child grows and finds greater independence, and often pushing away parental guidance. The fear of loss and control brings many to bitter tears. Yet, perhaps a realization and a finding of their deeper self will bring thanksgiving into their hearts, and the understanding that our children are never truly ours, but have been given into our care - for only a short season.
Tears express the language of love which brings such joy and pain to so many. Innumerable tears will be shed as they learn that the other can never be possessed and that the value of separateness will bring value to their togetherness.
Those with greater awareness and understanding will weep many tears. For they have been given the gift of greater responsibility. Only with diligence and commitment to yet a deeper and higher purpose will they understand that the solving of human dilemmas can never come from their limited resources, wit, and cleverness. Wisdom cries out - for its effect is far beyond human intellect. It is available to all those who seek it.
As war prevails in our world due to the pride of men, many tears are shed for the loss of precious lives. The pain of such a loss goes deep and only the healing balm of God’s grace can mend such a broken heart.
Many elderly have been forgotten and are alone. Their tears flow with many regrets wondering if they could have lived life differently. At the same time, others will shed tears of joy as they see the fruit of their own diligent labor and prayers flourish and thrive. They will not fear death, but will await it with wonderment.
The downtrodden and lonely hearts cry tears of their own perceived inadequacies. They wonder what it is they could ever offer this world. Yet, it is in these humble souls that the purity of prayer is heard and answered. Their silent strength is a great gift to this world.
As all of us will shed many tears due to our frailties, our weaknesses, and lack of courage, may strength be found to forgive ourselves. These tears will teach empathy for others as one becomes sensitive to knowing that each person carries a burden. This understanding is the path to forgive others. It is in this continued searching for greater wisdom, courage, and strength that life can be well lived. Ones own courage will be realized as we express our regrets to those we have injured. It may be the most healing and meaningful gift you could ever offer. Let us have the courage to make things right as best as we can and learn to be compassionate in all of our dealings.
At the end of this life, it will not have mattered what our profession was and how many wonderful things we have accomplished on this earth. Who we were will have mattered - for it will have left a lasting affect.
Tears are truly a gift - a wonderful gift to ourselves.
You, oh Lord tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: Ps. 56:8
