January 31st, 2022

Those that plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. Psalm 126:5
Much to our frustration, we have all probably shed a tear.  It’s possible that everyone reading this has shed one this past year or two.  It has been quite a ride in our world and though we have shown our resilience as a species, we have also (collectively) not always been our best during this difficult time.  I have been reminded by folks on more than one occasion that ‘no one is their best self right now’ and have been the one reminding others of the same thing. The emotional strain is palpable.  

Now, I’m one for a good cry (and a long nap) when stressed.  I do prefer to cry on my own as I am a pretty private person, but I find the tears that come with stress or emotional upheaval are cathartic.  I try not to deny myself this when my body tells me I need it.  You may see my tear up during an emotional song in church, or a sad movie, or when talking about my mom or dad and how much I miss them.  You just as likely may see me crying when I’m happy or laughing. Tears are  something that I express myself with.  

When one cries, the eyes emit a liquid we call tears.  When someone cries because  of a  cut onion, the chemical compounds look different than when  they cry because  they are sad.  The emotional tears have a higher level of protein.  I find it fascinating that our bodies were created to be so efficient.  The verse quoted above is very comforting in that it states that if you are preparing for something and crying in the process, the end result may be that you are joyful when that preparation results in fruit.  

I find this very encouraging at this time.  What it says to me is that the same as our bodies know how to cleanse our eyes when we are emotional, our souls will reap the benefit of our diligence in hard times. I will try to remember this when I’m not being my best self….will you do the same?  
​Meghan DeGregory