How Many Tears
Kitty got old; his heart gave out – at least the pumping of it. His heart for us was true to the end, purring and loving me like he had from the time we got him from the “homeless shelter”.
The day was spent in tears, saying goodbye, but not really letting go. Unconditional love never leaves us. And Opi, as we called him, loved us when we forgot to freshen his water or didn’t have time to sit and pet him. And he loved us well through good and bad years. Sixteen years.
Perhaps that is the message from God to us through our pets. That unconditional love does not find fault, ebb and flow based on shortcomings, or leave us ever. “Love is patient…kind. It does not envy…boast…is not proud. It is not rude…self-seeking…not easily angered…keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. It always protects…trusts…hopes…perseveres. Love never fails.” (1Corinthians 13:4-8b my paraphrase)
It’s lonely once a loved one isn’t here on earth – and yes, people, more than pets – but still loneliness. The kind that nothing takes the place of – and oceans of tears don’t stop the next flood when a memory comes.
I think that’s why Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit after His death and resurrection. Before we accept Him as Savior there’s a void in us that we try to fill with all kinds of things – nothing satisfies for long. But that moment we say ‘yes’ – a companion like no other is ours forever. “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever…I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you…the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” (John 14:16,18, 26 ESV)
So how many tears does a soul hold? They can’t be counted by us, but not one falls without the Father’s notice. How many did our Savior shed while He was on earth? No doubt still does as He sees our brokenness.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4 NLT)
How many tears…does a soul hold? Enough to get us through this life. Then in eternity there will be no more tears. And the One who knows their number will fill us with unending joy forevermore.
parisrenae 
Paris I am so sorry for the loss of Opi, what a beautiful tribute and truly touching thoughts on unconditional love, which often is displayed perfectly by our pets. The anniversary of the day I walked my beautiful golden retriever, Golda home looms in just 2 weeks. She loved us well for 15 years through many good times, but also through many painful times. It’s been 3 years, but I miss her every day. May your beautiful memories of Opi bring joy to your heart in these hard empty days. Thank you for sharing him with us.
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Oh Paris, I can’t even imagine the heartache. My condolences to you and your family. Praying for you all!
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Thank you – in all heartache our Jesus is there, closer than our breath, blessings whenever the tears come and the smiles as well…
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So very true and a great tribute to Opie! I thank God all the time for your ability to write 🤗
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To God be the glory in all things…
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Paris, I am so sorry for the loss of Opi. It is so true that we experience such sadness when our pets are gone. I am so very grateful that not one of our tears goes unnoticed by our Father.
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Thank you, Joanne, He sees each one – and we learn through it all that He is ever faithful.
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I’m so sad to hear of the loss of your sweet Opi’s presence with you. Big hug. But I’m so thankful for the sixteen years of unconditional love that you shared. A beautiful tribute to your Opi.
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The faithfulness of God is amazing – I would have never thought the loss of a beloved pet would show the unconditional love of our great God. All glory to Him…
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