for tears and laughter...

for tears and laughter

i am grateful, God, for tears.

for the ability to cry.

how marvelously you made us

that we are equipped with this

way to express our emotions.

quick tears to relieve the sudden hurt.

or the times when we are touched,

too moved to speak.

or when deeper sorrows come,

that we have this fierce

and wonderful cleansing.

this release that helps to wash away the

very grief our crying demonstrates.

how You must love us that You thus provided for us.

no other being has it, no insect, bird or beast.

only man and woman made in Your likeness.

we are the only creatures who can cry.

Jesus wept, as we weep.

our very own tears are testimony to Your fatherhood.

we too are your sons and daughters.

thank you for this proof,

and for this healing outlet,

the ability to cry.

and thank you, Lord, for laughter.

and for all the people who can bring it about,

make us see the funny side of things.

the world is so full of anguish;

life itself sometimes seems so grim.

thank you that in Your vast understanding

You gave us laughter to make us forget,

to restore our wounded spririts, brighten the journey,

lighten the load.

just as You saved tears for human beings,

You blessed us alone with laughter.

and surely this too is a clue to Your very nature.

a nature akin to our own.

thank you for this blessing, Lord.

this shining gift of laughter.

(author unknown)