RELIGION

Something light to start the day. It's often a good idea to avoid this topic, but here I go.

Ideologies often play a role in the partner we choose. They should play a role if you ask me. How can you marry a person who is of a completely different faith? Faith will forever be a source of dysfunction in your relationship if you don’t agree. And if you don't have the same beliefs, that can lead to questions about how to raise your children. So it only makes sense that we look for someone who has the same core beliefs, and ideologies.

Mike grew up in a religious family. Christian Reformed was the faith professed and it was regarded as the most revered thing in his home. One would never think of going against the church and having independent thought.

I grew up in a home that was anti-religion. Ok, I wouldn't say anti-religion, but neither of my parents grew up following a faith of any kind. When it came time to evaluate religion for myself, I was on my own. I was curious about friends who went to church every Sunday. What was I missing? Once I was able, I started going to church with friends. I explored many different religions. Mormonism was very popular in my middle school, so I even explored that faith. None of it resonated with me. In my early 20's I finally explored a more Buddhist look at the world and next Hinduism. Both of those seemed to make the most sense to me. Either way, organized religion wasn't likely to be something I raised my children with.

When I met Mike, he had long ago left the idea that religion would be the guiding force in his life. That said, being raised 'in the church' and the values it instilled has no doubt impacted who Mike is today. I appreciate Mike's history with the Bible. Over the years, I've learned a lot. But what shines through is he now holds his integrity and his virtue as his sort of religion. It comes through in everything he does.

While our backgrounds are completely opposite, our lives have shaped us into who we are today. As time together passes, life experiences have also impacted our thoughts and feelings. The last 18 months of COVID have certainly brought a lot to the surface. More than ever it's clear to Mike and me that how we want to raise our children, what we value, and are our direction forward are following the same path.

Shannon, The Herdmother