240715 Tears

 Tears

Have you ever laughed and laughed so hard

That tears ran down your face

Or cried the bitter tears of shame

When you have felt disgrace 

And what about the stinging tears

That disappointments bring

What greater tears of happiness 

Than when wedding bells ring

Have ever felt tears trickle out

Experiencing big yawn

Or soothing tear drops of release

When large burden is gone

What parent, when their child is safe

Hasn't cried tears of relief

And those that loved and then have lost

Shed the mourning tears of grief

Or what about the ugly tears

That come as breathless sobs

The wailing and the blubbering kind

Do they have useful jobs

Can they serve any purpose

Of releases; Letting goes

Or simply make our eyes turn red

And give us runny nose

All of these tears are gifts from God

And make us who we are

What comfort that he counts each one

And holds them in his jar

And also what a comfort 

That our Savior shed tears, too

Experienced  emotions

That all humankind goes through

So, cherish every tear you cry

No matter what the kind

Each one connects to others

Both the human and divine

Dear Father, I thank you for tears

Each cried in different ways

Of joy, of grief, of sweet relief

Each one, a tear of praise

For all serve your good purpose

And each time our tears are through 

We find they've washed away something

Revealing something new

Yet, when I leave my earthly home

And walk through heaven's door

You promise me, and I believe 

My tears will be no more