Tears of Present Pain

What brings tears to your eyes?

We often do not know what will make tears well up inside of us and emerge.  Sometimes it just happens, while at other times, it’s just so expected!

My recent oral surgery brought many, many tears.  More tears than I ever thought possible.  In the late hours of that first night, there was no stopping them…..but they did not make the pain any less.  Tears of present pain.

Then tears came again last Thursday watching “Grey’s Anatomy,” with such great love shown between a husband and wife.  That was followed by “A Million Little Things,” more tears, as a mom and daughter drew closer together.  Tears of present love.

On Saturday, I decided to go for a walk while waiting for my laundry to finish.  It was brisk outside so I entered a grocery store, expecting to just stroll around.  However, the sight of the coffee grinding machine (pictured here) stopped me cold.  Instantly, I was whisked back to the A & P in Dearborn, MI, grocery shopping with my dad.  He always had his coffee ground, that smell being so amazing.  Although I didn’t need it, I just had to buy some of that overpriced coffee, which I prefer to call an “invaluable memory”.  I thought of my dad while it was grinding, tears rolling down my cheeks.  I thought of my unasked questions like.  Will you teach me to Polka?  What would you like to tell me about WWII?  Which song that I play for you on the piano is your all-time favorite?  More tears.  Tears of past unanswered questions.

Then came Sunday in worship when the hymn began “Here I Am Lord.”  Again tears came.  I thought of my friend who wants this played at his funeral, just as I want it played at mine.  One day either he will be sitting there crying at my funeral when it is played, or I will be crying at his.  Tears of future grief.

Tears for the present, the past, and the future.  

One of the most comforting Bible verses speaks of tears.  “God will wipe every tear from their eyes.There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  ~ Revelation 21: 4

What brings tears to your eyes?  I would like to know!