Is Each Teardrop a Prayer?
Hand against the window, tears running down my cheeks, I again committed my firstborn, my Beloved Gift of God, to the Lord. Robert Q, the airport shuttle, was taking him away. He was off to begin the next phase of his life.
The next day I got word from his girlfriend that he had arrived safe and sound across the Pond. He now lives in the home of our ancestors, the home of haggis and black pudding – both of which he likes.
Right now, Nathanial is on a search for truth. I pray that he will soon rediscover the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I pray, too, that his girlfriend and her family will also come to know the Saviour.
Six years ago we put our second born on a plane to attend Bible college two provinces away. He has come home for a number of visits and we were privileged to attend his graduation two years ago. But, for the time being, Saskatchewan is his home.
When a mother says goodbye, a little piece of her heart goes with each child. As parents, we want to prepare our children to soar on their own, but it isn’t easy to watch them take flight – whether figuratively or literally.
Our youngest is still living at home but is hoping to soon have enough resources to stretch her wings and take flight as well. For now, she is enjoying her new room. The loft was Nathanial’s since we moved in twelve years ago.
I have shed many tears as a parent: tears of joy, tears of frustration (mostly with myself), tears of pride, tears of agony, tears of nostalgia, etc., etc., etc. Though not all of these tears have prompted a verbal prayer, I am thankful that our great God knows our heart, knows every desire, and sees every tear.
More than that, the psalmist believed the Lord gathered each of his tears. What a beautiful picture!
You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:8-11 ESV).
As a mother of three grown children, this song by Keith and Kristen Getty always brings prayer-filled tears to my eyes . . .
Sometimes tears “say” what our words cannot. May I be willing to allow my prayers to flow down my cheeks, not only prayers for my children but prayers for many of the precious ones God has brought into my life.
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Sometimes tears “say” what our words cannot. (click to tweet)
The psalmist believed the Lord gathered each of his tears.
Steph Beth Nickel
Steph Beth is a wife of over 30 years and the mother of three grown children. Steph’s eclectic interests include writing, editing, fitness, and childbirth (she is also a labour doula).
Steph’s was honoured to co-author former Paralympian Deb Willows’ memoir. Living Beyond My Circumstances is scheduled for release at the end of November 2013.
Steph edits for Christian Editing Services under the leadership of Karen Burkett. She is a long-time member of The Word Guild and a recent member of InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship.
Steph blogs at Steph’s Electic Interests. Her new author website, Steph Beth Nickel , is a work-in-progress.