The Silent Tears
You're browsing Facebook for the tenth time in your day seeing people holding their new babies, holding the keys to their new houses, holding their new Emmy statue or holding the tickets for their next exotic vacation. You want to feel happy for them, but at the same time a deep hole burns in your gut as you fight the feelings of jealousy and envy that have plagued you every day since you joined Facebook. You want to be happy for your friends and family, but life just doesn't seem to be going the way you thought it would. Everyone else seems to have it so much better.
I will be honest. I've struggled with these thoughts and annoying pangs of envy. Whether it's someone who's more successful or prettier, there will always be someone who has something that I don't.
We live in a world where people are so connected to their phones and digital lives, but less and less connected to people around them in their own homes, communities or churches. We have become so globally connected, but even less locally connected. And in the midst of it, there is an underlying current of competition and discontentment with ones self.
I was reminded of these humbling truths the other day when an older woman moved into the apartment across the hall from me. I didn't see anyone helping her move into her place besides the moving guys and she had large furniture and plants that looked very heavy. After several days, I finally had the chance to meet her and we struck up a quick conversation. Little did I know that she was far from family, gone through a painful divorce and facing a whole new journey of life alone. From the outside, I would have never thought she was going through such difficult things. But, once I took the time to actually talk with her and extend a welcoming smile, she opened up and shared about the real pains of her life. I could hear the silent tears behind her eyes and knew that it was a great opportunity for me to give her the reassurance that she was not alone.
Life will throw us curve balls in many different ways. It may come through the loss of a loved one, divorce, a financial crisis, unemployment, infertility, the loss of a child, loneliness or an unexpected illness, but the greatest thing we must remember is that we were never created to face these trials alone. God wants us to live each day connected with the people He has placed in our lives. Some of that encouragement may come through digital relationships, but I believe the most vital, profoundly impacting relationships come in-person. Even more so, the annoying pangs of jealousy begin to dissipate when we take the time to focus on the tangible people around us instead of focusing on the "perfect lives" we think people are living.
What are your silent tears? You may not share them on Facebook or through beautifully filtered pictures, but it's crucial to share them with someone you trust one-on-one. Seek out trustworthy people who will value your cares, fears and concerns. This life is not meant to be lived alone and tears are not meant to always be silent.
*Feel free to email me or post any thoughts you wish to share about this post.
