It's OK to Cry

Keys for Kids Daily Devotional for December 22, 2007
TITLE: Healing Tears
SCRIPTURE: John 11:11-17, 34-36
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"Oh-h-h-h-h!" Mark gasped as his bike flipped through the air. A searing pain ripped through his palms and knees. Angrily, he brushed away his tears. "I will not cry!" he said aloud. He picked up his bike and hobbled home.
Mark's hands and knees ached almost as much as his heart did. Ever since his grandpa had died two weeks before, tears had been hiding right behind his eyes. But he was eleven now-too big to cry.
Mark limped into the kitchen. "Oh, you're hurt!" Mom exclaimed.
"I was riding my bike, and I fell." Mark's voice trembled as he spoke.
"Come into the bathroom and let's get you cleaned up. Then I'll bandage those sore spots," said Mom. Gently, she washed away the dirt and then applied disinfectant to Mark's injured knees. Mark gritted his teeth as the medicine stung. "I know it hurts a lot," Mom sympathized, "but it's cleaning the wounds so they can heal."
Mark took a deep gulp of air and sniffed. Mom put her arm around his shoulders and drew him to her. Mark stiffened and pulled away. I will not cry, he said to himself. Eleven-year-old boys do not cry.
Mom seemed to know what he was thinking. "Honey," she said, "it's okay to cry when you hurt." Mark shook his head angrily. "But it is," Mom insisted. "Did you know that your daddy cried when Grandpa died?"
Mark was startled. "He did? I-I-I didn't think men c-c-cried," he stammered.
"But they do," Mom assured him. "Even Jesus cried. Tears are like the disinfectant I put on those sore spots. Tears help wash out grief and speed the healing process." Mark kept his eyes on his stinging palms. Mom put her hands on his shoulders. "God knows we hurt sometimes," she said. "We don't have to hide our hurt. You may cry-God gave us tears to help us. And Jesus tells us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. Wouldn't you like to tell Him right now about your hurt hands and knees, honey-and about how much you miss your grandpa?"
Mark nodded, and the tears began to flow.
MEMORY VERSE: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
HOW ABOUT YOU? It's okay to cry-God gave you laughter and tears. Even men and boys can cry; Jesus did. Neither boys nor girls have to try to be tough and pretend they don't hurt. Remember that Jesus wants you to go to Him with all your hurts-whether they're from injury, sickness, or sad things that happen. He cares for you and wants to help you.
THE KEY: It's okay to cry