There is a sign in the window of our local pub that reads, “No Crybabies Allowed” … I starred at it from across the street while I pumped my gas. I get it – no whining about the slow service, or the warm beer … catching my reflection from my truck window, I could see from my puffy eyes and downward expression – even I wasn’t allowing myself to cry.
Have you ever grieved over a season of life? If someone could please give me the time stamp on when it will come to an end – I’d be forever grateful. Grieving sneaks up on you – one minute you’re fine, then the next, you’re blaming your red eyes and wet sleeves on “darn allergies!”.
If you’re a crybaby – it’s okay, I am too.
There is reason for our tears, our tears reflect our love and loyalty to that season or the people within it. Our tears reveal the ache in our heart to experience again the joy and pleasure we once beheld … to hold one more time the little expressions of love that bound us tight, until eventually we had to let go.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Your grieving has purpose …
Ecclesiastes goes on to list all the seasons that have purpose, basically it’s saying everything you do is purposeful, even crying.
“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” 3:4
- There is purpose in weeping.
- There is purpose in laughing.
- There is purpose in mourning.
- There is purpose in dancing.
Each one is a season we have been given opportunity to find Jesus in. Our purpose isn’t for us to simply know joy or pain – the purpose is for us to know Jesus is with us in the joy and pain.
When I grieve over seasons gone by there are specific things I miss … I miss influencing people, I miss giving heart-full advice … I miss holding babies. Grieving shows us where we need Jesus the most, and where He has purposed us to give Him to others.
I encourage you to unpack your grief – find the purpose behind the season you miss. Do you find purpose in caregiving, creating, working, building, planning, influencing, etc.? When you understand your pain has purpose, that it is a navigation tool to experience Jesus’ love and also where He is directing you – you are no longer a crybaby, you’re an overcomer.
Blessings,
For relatability and biblical application