Tears and More Tears

It was the middle of the afternoon, and I had agreed to talk to a friend. After a question was asked, I could see where the conversation was headed.

In minutes, I was on the verge of tears.

At first, my eyes watered. It was all I could do to continue the conversation. When it ended, I cried. I cried for what I had lost, facing the truth once again and understanding that the friend cared and wanted what was best for me.

At the time, I thought that I had done enough crying.

But that evening I cried some more.

You know how it is. Every time you think of the incident or person, you cry more. You cry so much that you wonder, Why am I still crying? By night, my eyes hurt from all the crying. I would like to say that was the end of my tears, but it was not. I cried often for the next several days. Then Friday night, I felt a peace that I knew could only come from God. For the first time in three days, I slept through the night and had a peaceful rest. I would like to tell you that tears are not necessary, but they are.

Tears are a clear liquid secreted by the tear gland found in the eyes of all land mammals except for goats and rabbits.

Their functions include lubricating the eyes (basal tears), removing irritants (reflex tears), and aiding the immune system.

Tears also occur as a part of the body’s natural pain response. Humans are the only mammals known to produce tears as part of an emotional response, such as joy or grief. Tears have symbolic significance among humans.

Emotional secretion of tears may serve a biological function by excreting stress-inducing hormones built up through times of emotional distress.

We need to cry. Our reasons may be varied, but we need to shed tears. It seems we cry more out of pain and sorrow than happiness.

There will come a day when God will wipe away our tears.

Oh, I cannot wait for that day! My eyes will not hurt anymore! God will give eternal rest! Hold on, my sister!

Dana M. Bean