The Tears Are Real

On the children’s TV show Sesame Street, Big Bird had a friend named Snuffleupugus. Because Big Bird was the only one who had seen him, the other characters on the show thought he was an imaginary friend. They finally convinced Big Bird that he needed to say goodbye to his “imaginary friend”.

In a heartwarming scene, Big Bird informs Snuffleupugus that they can’t be friends anymore because Snuffy is only imaginary. They embrace each other goodbye, and as Big Bird pulls back, he notices tears on his feathers from his friend. He reasons that if the tears are genuine, his friend must be real (Carol Spinney, The Wisdom of Big Bird).

See the tears of Jesus at Lazarus' tomb (John 11:35). Remember the words of the writer of Hebrews 4:15, where we are reminded that Jesus is touched by “the feelings of our infirmities”.

When you feel alone, when your heart is hurting, when it feels like no one understands, remember He is touched by your feelings, and as He did at the tomb of Lazarus, He weeps with us. And never forget, He can change the tears of the tomb into a celebration of life.

Duke Stone
After 40 years in full-time ministry, I try to see how the little things in life speak big things about God. This blog is an attempt to share with you the many ways I see the love of God in the ordinary things of life.