12But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many other shouted for joy.
The same event in life can have multiple emotional reactions, all being equally valid. At first I thought the tears could only be because this new Temple was of little stature compared to the former glorious Temple. But maybe some of the tears were tears of joy, or of repentance, or of remorse. You see, we can never know for sure what the expression on the outside means until we ask. Emotional expressions can mean many things. Angry shouts often mean, not that I am mad, but that I am desperate for you to connect with me. I tried letting you know in softer ways, but you didn’t respond, so now I am shouting to let you know I need you. Often emotions on the surface mask the deeper, more vulnerable emotions. On this day when construction begins symbolizing the restoration of worship and of the nation, people had mixed emotions. What do we do with outward expressions of emotions, especially loud and visible ones? What do we do with our own emotions? Do we stuff them, discount them, dismiss them, condemn them as dangerous? Or do we just let them rip, no holes barred? Emotions are God-given. We must learn to honor them, both in ourselves and in others. We must try to understand what is behind them and honor those deeper expressions of the need for connection and safety. Until we do we will live partial lives, lives where the most important needs and desires get dismissed or ignored.
The Arnold Journey 