For Crying Out Loud

One of my favourite authors wrote, "Why do tears make people treat you like a five-year-old when usually they mean something really grown-up is going on inside?"

I know that feeling. There are plenty of times where tears come as an emotional response to something, but others interpret them as weakness. But do tears mean that you're weak or child-like?

The Bible says "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." - Psalm 126:5

I think this means that life is meant to be joyful, but at times we have to embrace the sadness to see how wonderful the good things are. We live in a world that skews to the pessimistic side of life. But I think it's important to actually see the good things in life and keep sorrow in it's place.

The other week my son was swimming at the district trials. He came 3rd last in backstroke but got a 3 second PB, so he went down to the butterfly races feeling confident. At the end of that race he'd come last and been disqualified because his stroke wasn't quite right. Next I know he's in a pool of tears and never swimming again. He's hopeless at butterfly and backstroke (forget about that PB now) and might as well give up all together. This carried on for about an hour and half and only really stopped when it was time to get ready to swim freestyle. Somewhere deep in that body he found the confidence to have one last go. While he didn't do any superhuman Olympic-worthy swim, he did win his heat and get a small PB. We went home to celebrate as quickly as we could - there was no way I was letting that winning feeling slide again!

That was just one small step in teaching my son that sorrows and joys are linked and don't actually cancel each other out. Perhaps I just need to remember that in my own life too. When I'm tired and weary from working and the house is untidy and there's nothing much for dinner because I haven't had time to shop - there's still a loving family who treasure me more than a house and fancy dinners. When I feel sick but need to keep going and look after the kids - my tears are a helpful step in knowing that there is joy just around the corner, when I'm well again.

Crab Capers

We've just got back from our annual January camping trip. This trip has been one of the things that helps us press the reset button at the beginning of each year, and the highlight of the week is the nightly crabbing excursion. If you've never been crabbing, then allow me to explain.

You take a bucket or two, a few children and some torches and head to the beach in search of crabs. Upon locating a crab the entire group must yell "Crab, Crab!" and one child is chosen to catch the crab. While the catching is taking place, all the other children must scream and squeal at the top of their voices ad an adult must hover with a bucket nearby to receive the crab.

After collecting plenty of crabs, a large circle is drawn in the sand and the bucket is upturned. The crab who crosses the line first is named champion and then all the children and adults trudge home, ensuring that the maximum amount of sand returns to be deposited in the tent.

Each night of this routing brings much joy to our family and reminds me what life is all about. Things like school and work aren't the main event, just the supporting act. Joyfully relating to those closest to you is what makes most of us tick.