Happy Tears

I distinctly remember the first time I heard the term "happy tears". I was in graduate school at my all-girl Bible study and the ice-breaker question for that evening was to tell the group the last time we had cried happy tears. Well, you can imagine the stories that followed from a group of early 20's-something young women. It was an eye-opening evening because, to be honest, up until that point I never really considered tears to be happy. Answering that question that night opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on tears. Ever since then I've learned to embrace happy tears and be glad because they mean my heart is warm and full of happiness inside.

Well, the other night while Grayson was hard at work, I was able to relax on the couch and peruse the tube. Unfortunately, all of my favorite Olympic events are over and so I happened upon a PBS special called "Carriers". It was a documentary of the lives of the men and women who serve our country in the navy. Before I knew it there I was lying on our couch, in the dark, crying happy tears over this show. It must have been one of the last episodes because the hour consisted of the crew of navy personelle reuniting with their families after a 6 month deployment. There are few things as touching to my heart as seeing military reunite with their family after being away from them for so long.

This got me thinking about what other events in life cause people to have happy tears. For me, it's learning that my best friend is expecting a baby, the moment the doors at a church open wide and the groom sees his bride for the first time, most of my dad's prayers that occur during the holidays, old pictures that hold sweet memories, singing "It is well" while at church and sharing memories with friends over coffee (or now, more like decaf tea for me). I think people should be more willing to share their happy tears with others because while tears may make some people uncomfortable, I think it's a wonderful feeling to let your emotions be known and for others to embrace you during your happiness.