Tissues

Year 4-Day 17:  Today, I am grateful for tissues!

Another first...yes...tissues!  We grew up calling them Kleenex as that company made them a household item in the Western world, but how did it happen? I love a history lesson.

Kleenex were first introduced in 1924 for removing make-up.  Japan had used a similar product for years.  They marketed it as a make-up secret to the stars when used with cold cream. It made some sales.  Then, a few years later, the companies head researcher suggested using the tissue as a disposable handkerchief, instead of the tried and true version most men carried in their pockets and the ladies in their purses.  Colds and hay fever meant nearly everyone was a potential customer.

In the 1930's, the slogan that fueled the popularity of the "disposable hankie" was "Don't carry a cold in your pocket!" It wasn't long before the use of the disposable handkerchief became the standard, replacing the long tradition of carrying a cotton handkerchief.  In 1943, the Kleenex company licensed the Little Lulu cartoon to popularize the brand.  Marketing hasn't really changed all that much, has it?  Cartoons still sell. 

Today, tissues are considered necessary.  When thinking green, rarely does anyone suggest we return to the laundered version, simply because of the germs. Tissues catch our sneezes, help us clear our heads and wipe our tears. They are worthy a gratitude post. 

As usual...this is not the post I started to write...but this is where it ended up. Being grateful for the cleanliness of these little luxuries and the convenience is a nice place to pause in the middle of season of colds.  In fact, at home and at school, it is time to restock. 

If you think about it, send a fresh box with your child's teacher with a note of encouragement and gratitude for all they do to keep germs from spreading in the classroom. 

In seasons of tears...be they happy or sad...tissues add a little comfort.  


This verse came to mind as I thought about comfort.   

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

He is the ultimate comforter, but thank goodness we have friends and tissues, too. Our friends will hand us tissues with a generous, warm hug to help share the burden. 

Our Lord... somehow, I don't see him with a tissue. I see Him wiping our tears with the gentle thumb of a nail scarred hand. 

Today, I am grateful for tissues...friends with tissues...and the promise of eternity wrapped in our Savior's receiving, healing, bleeding love that will heal every wound we offer up in faith at the foot of the cross. He weeps with us...then wipes away our tears. He is even better than a Kleenex.