In my Writing 121 class, we read a variety of essays on a variety of subjects. This one essay was a scathing denunciation of the term “broken family.” The author’s point was that a “non-traditional” family shouldn’t be demeaned by such a negative moniker. This led, of course, to quite a bit of discussion on the subject. One thing I remember, when we got on the subject of divorce and how it affects children, was the comment “I think we underestimate the resilience of children.” Basically, kids can get over it, c’mon, they’re strong enough to overcome it.

Thankfully, I have an incredible family, my father loves my mother, my mother loves my father, and they both love all of us children. But to justify divorce (and I’m talking from a secular perspective) by saying that children will “get over it” is completely inconsiderate at best and downright unfeeling at worst. One of our ministers, Arlen Krabill, taught the 4th grade at our VBS, and he related a story this morning about one of the boys who—upon being taught about “Thou shalt not commit adultery” and how that sometimes moms or dads can decide that someone else will make them happier—broke down because he had experienced this exact thing. It’s heartbreaking.

That’s sort of a downer and it does not reflect the way I’m feeling right now. I am in a very positive frame of mind, very happy. It is pure bliss to be serving God. Of course, it’s great to serve Him whether I feel happy or not, but when you feel happy it’s just gravy. You just need to make sure your head is out of the clouds enough to let God work in your life.