Funny how sometimes you can’t stop them.  Sometimes no matter how much you think you’re in control, tears just well up and spill over and run down your cheeks.

Sometimes there’s not even time to grab a tissue or get your hand up in time to wipe them away.  It’s futile.  They’re going to come – when they need to come.

I just had a moment like that.  Today would have been my Dad’s 79^th birthday here on earth if God hadn’t called him to his Heavenly home early last year.  And I was doing OK with it.  Or so I thought.  But then I read an email from my aunt, and a Facebook post by my cousin and that was the end of my being in control.

And it was just what I needed.

There are times to be the “strong one”.  But there are times to let the guard down, let the tears flow, and let God be the God of All Comfort.  There are times to be reminded that one day the tears will be all wiped away and we’ll all stand together before Him, whole, healed, restored.

I know where Dad is today.  And I know Dad used his 77 years here on earth for God’s glory.  So today is a celebration of a life well lived, and rejoicing in knowing that he’s more alive today than ever before.

My makeup is a little smeared and my eyes are a little red.   But the sad tears just got turned into happy ones.  Our family, and many, many others are blessed to have had Dad around for so many years.  And we are blessed  that God continues to comfort and sustain us with great memories and a spiritual legacy that is rivaled by few.

Happy Birthday, Dad.  These tears are for you.

But in a good way…

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces;  Isaiah 25:8

For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalm 126:5