a destroyed love: the damages of divorce

i have come to realize that i have been blessed with the spiritual gift of being emotionally balanced. maybe this is a poor way to word this...
this term in seminary we are learning about trauma and crisis counseling. we are learning the rights we have as pastors (legally) and learning how to deal with these situations.

recently i have had a very dear friend come to me. they have discovered that their spouse has been cheating on them for the duration of their marriage. the spouse has put themselves into counseling and my friend is distraught and utterly devastated. the friend's mom instantly suggested that my friend come to see me. i too am shocked and don't know what to do other than to be there.

i guess sometimes that's all you can really do, is to be there.
however this is a difficult situation. most of the time my students that are going through a difficult time may question God...which is better than denying God exists at all. or denying that there is a superior being looking out and caring for their well being.

the difficulty here with my friend and their spouse is that neither are believers.

i don't believe in divorce, however...this has been a re-occurring behavior. i am not in this friend's shoes but i don't think i would have ended up in this situation. i would have dismissed this opportunity to love if i did not trust or if there was ever speculation of dishonesty.

i understand the spouse is undergoing counseling for this destructive behavior but i think in this situation divorce may be necessary for both parties involved.

sigh....the struggles of life.

the calling

working for a church i am all to familiar about preaching about people discerning their call. answering God's call for their life, urging them to serve, love and be of service.

never in my life have i been more sure that i am doing exactly what God has called me to do. the passion burns deeply. the love. the joy. the fulfillment. the completeness. the feeling of devoted service.

i.love.youth.ministry.
whatever happened to that fashion degree of mine?