David Van Kley, Journal columnist

Recently, my wife and I were visiting old friends in a community we once called home. As we sat in their cabin, talking and laughing, I tried to articulate how valuable their friendship has been to me. Suddenly, I began to weep. And weep. It took a full minute for me to regain my composure.

What happened? Was this a release of pent-up pandemic frustration? A sign I’ve grown old? Confirmation of the fact I’m a human being? Perhaps all of the above?

Laughter and tears are outward expressions of the deep emotions stirring inside all of us. Back in the 1990’s, the alternative rock band Timbuk 3 released a song with these lyrics:

Two medicines, I need them every day

Two medicines to keep the doctor away

One to drown my sorrows

One to face my fears

Laughter and tears

Laughter and tears.

That’s about right, don’t you think?

In John’s gospel, Jesus visits the grave of his dear friend, Lazarus. In one of the great “signs” of the dawning kingdom of God, Jesus will restore Lazarus to life. But in the moment, when he sees other friends and acquaintances grieving Lazarus’ death, “Jesus began to weep.” (John 11:35) It is significant, I think, that it was in the presence of others–in community–that Jesus’ tears flowed. Immanuel–God with us–weeps as we do.

Meanwhile, in one of the most delightful stories in the Bible, two mysterious strangers declare that childless and aging Sarah will have a child “in due season.” Overhearing this promise, Sarah laughs. Her laughter has a bitter ring to it–it is the cynical expression of one who cannot believe what seems impossible. However, when Sarah brings the promised child into the world, she and Abraham name him Isaac, which means “Laughter.” Their laughter now is of a different sort–filled with joy!

Laughter and tears. They are with us from the beginning of life. We know a newborn is well when she begins to wail. Months later, we wait with anticipation until we hear his first giggle.

Laughter and tears. Two of God’s greatest gifts. Fundamental expressions of human emotion we cannot live without. Yet sometimes, we try. Growing up, we may be told not to cry: it is a sign of human weakness! In some homes, laughter is rare–or used only to ridicule others.

When was the last time you had a good cry? When the toll of human lives lost to the pandemic or war left you with neither explanation nor strategy, just tears? When your own losses caused you to break down?

When was the last time you watched a silly show on TV and just roared? When you and your friends spent an evening reminiscing and laughing about all the funny things that happen in this world?

When was the last time you laughed until you cried? Or started out crying, only to end up in laughter?

We were created, in God’s image, to do these very things.

Editor’s note: The Rev. David Van Kley is a retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.