Tears of Sadness, Tears of Joy

I cry when I am happy. I cry when I am sad. I cry when others cry and when I witness anything filled with a lot of emotion. I have absolutely no control over the flow of tears, they simply flow.

An example from early in my career: one of my staff wanted to take some time off with relatively short notice. When asked the reason behind the request, she said “I am getting divorced.” I immediately began to tear up.

After a few awkward moments, she finally asked what was wrong. I could not answer without sounding like a bumbling fool, so said nothing. She continued to look at me and then it was as if a flashbulb had gone off. With a huge smile on her face, she proceeded to tell me that she needed the time to go south with some friends to celebrate her divorce. It was a good thing!

I had assumed the complete opposite and thought that she was going through a traumatic event.

I have, of course, developed some coping mechanisms along the way and am not so quick to tear up, particularly at work. Some of what helps to wipe away my tears? Music, enjoying nature’s gifts and love.

Walk with me, Lord, as I face life's joys and sadness. Amen. — DR