Thanksvember 4 - Tears

I know it may sound a bit funny, but today I am thankful for tears. Those of you who know me well know that I don't cry. At all. Growing up tears were a sign of weakness and I did not want to be seen as weak. So I learned to suck it up and turn the tears off. But much more recently I have discovered the healing and joy that can be found in tears.

Yesterday, I was caught completely off guard by a surprise birthday party with friends and Tj's family (my fam lives pretty far away). But the real shock was that my dad walked out of the crowd! I was so surprised that I burst into tears ... in front of everyone. But these tears were not a sign of weakness, but rather of my love for my dad and his sacrifice to drive 8 hours to be at my birthday party. Of course I made my father feel horrible that he made me cry, but the tears were worth it.

This morning I had another surprise that culminated in tears. One of my bestest friends, Hannah Arrow, called me to say that she and her husband Edward are having a baby. The joy and love I felt for them in that moment could not have been contained, and again, I burst into tears. Years of praying and long conversations and sorrow, were suddenly replaced with joy ... and tears. I dare say, there was healing in these tears.

I am reminded that Jesus wept too. And I am sure that he shed many tears out of joy as well. And if my life is supposed to be a reflection of him, then I guess tears are a necessary part of that image, and today I am thankful for them.

My awesome surprise giraffe cupcake cake!

Oh, the joy of surprises.

Hannah and I goofing off (as usual) at the Cliff's. The only thing I miss from then is her!