My wife and I were talking about family vacations we had as a child when I was struck by the thought that I couldn’t remember any vacations after my parents divorced. I was thirteen when they divorced and remember our annual vacations to places like Detroit, Niagara Falls, and even Bermuda.
I contacted my sister—who remembers everything. She thought really hard . . . and couldn’t remember any! None?! She reminded me of some day trips, but even those were more for shopping.
It was stunning to me that, after 20+ years of teaching about the changes parental divorce can bring, I’d missed this loss in my own life. Now it’s important to mention that my mother, who didn’t want the divorce, kept a roof over our heads and food on the table. I didn’t have the latest clothes and shoes, but I did have clean clothes and shoes. But, as a teen, I always felt like we were just making it financially.
An economic decrease is common after a divorce. Statistics support this and my experience, and those I’ve spoken with, would agree. At first reflection, I had some negative thoughts and sadness regarding this loss. Seems kind of unfair.
A Change in Perspective
But when I broadened my view of my past, the lack of things I was used to made me thankful for what I did have as an adult. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that, 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV.
To be honest, I’m still working on the contentment thing. I’ve noticed a quirk where I hate being out of things. I tend to have an “extra” of non-perishable foods, clothes, and other items. I wonder if it’s tied to that period.
I’m thankful that my wife and I have enjoyed vacations with our kids and vacations now as empty nesters. The Lord is a faithful provider and blessed us in ways we couldn’t have pulled off ourselves. But, more important, I can see that God was a faithful provider back then as well.