Windows to the Soul

photo found on deadpoet88.wordpress.com

"Tears are tiny messengers sent from the deepest part of who we are. They whisper - here is where your heart beats strong. This is a hint as to what makes you come alive."

~Emily P. Freeman~

Well, according to Ms. Freeman, my heart must be about ready to pound out of my chest because I actually cry all. the. time.  I may, quite possibly, have missed my calling as a soap opera actress.

I cry when I'm happy - moved - sad - angry - frustrated - tired - scared - hurt - realizing new or old information - out of empathy and/or compassion - because it's Tuesday - etc...

I have friends that fall into the "not-criers" category, and I feel bad (I probably cry...) that we can't have a meaningful conversation without me breaking down into tears - my little windows to my soul...

I joke that my doctor should have taken one of my ovaries during my hysterectomy, because I do NOT need any more hormones running through this poor body and out my eyeballs!

But, alas, those closest to me - and those I've scarred forever with my easy tears - know this about me, and we deal with it.

Unlike me, I don't think Esther was a crier.  But she was feeling something deep down in Esther chapter 8 and compassion overwhelmed her.  The realization of what had almost happened to her and what was about to happen to the Jewish People terrified her and I'm guessing Mordecai's words were haunting her..."for such a time as this..."  She knew the time to act was now - even if she fell out of favor with the king, who had just honored her.

The time was now.  And it was overwhelming and almost too much.  But Esther fell at the feet of her king, weeping and pleading and begging on behalf of someone other than herself.  Her heart beat strong for others.  Helping others made Esther come alive.

Which got me thinking.  When was the last time I wept for other people?  When have I fallen at the feet of my King - begging and pleading and weeping on behalf of someone other than myself?  What or who makes my heart beat strong?  What makes me come alive?

There are a lot of people wandering around in darkness, unable to find any light - lost and lonely.  Do I ever use my tears for them?

Do you?