I really enjoyed learning about divorce this past week even though it isn't the happiest topic to consider. Lately divorce has been on my mind quite frequently, and as I watched a video examining a school for children whose parents have been divorced, it struck me how much of an influence parents really do have on their children. Almost all of those children thought that it was their fault that their parents separated, even if the parents themselves knew it wasn't. I worry about those children and how impressionable they are. They may think that they are problems from that young age until late into their lives. I am taking a class this semester about Parenting, which is also fascinating. The parenting style that parents adopt and implement has a huge impact on the development and eventual tendencies of their children. It is so interesting to read about the different factors that affect children and the different outcomes that single-parent families and blended families produce. Last semester I wrote a research paper on the affect that growing up in a single home has on the success and happiness of the parent, so it is very beneficial and informative to see the child's side of the situation throughout this research. Usually in both cases, there are more negative and long-term affects than people realize.
The spirit filled my heart as I read a few talks about divorce and how to handle those challenges in a marriage. I have a passion for wanting others to feel loved and like they are listened to, so I really loved that it was mentioned that if the marriage can be saved, it should be. If you truly love someone, you will do all you can to show them, yourself, and the Lord that you want to change and improve. It brings me so much peace and gratitude to see them caring enough to do something. I am so glad that the gospel is a gospel of change and improvement. While divorce may be necessary in some cases, it doesn't have to be the only solution. If it is necessary, we have the hope of the gospel to help us through.
