Primetime Prodigal

Two years ago, my family and I got hooked on the TLC show “Jon and Kate plus 8.” We loved to watch the kids. We were amused at all they were growing into and getting into. Having raised four children, my wife and I knew what it was like to pack like an overseas trip just to go grocery shopping. As we watched the show, we got where we had favorites. We could even predict their behavior in certain situations.

The show and kids were unbearably cute.

Sadly, those delightful days may be over.

It is hard to separate fact from fiction, but it is certain there is trouble between Ma & Pa Gosselin.

Jon has grown weary and withdrawn. Kate has become a diva.

When someone keeps telling you how you can trust them, what does that make you think? Right-they can not be trusted.

When Kate continually talks about how everything she does is for the kids- suspicions arise. I have a hard time seeing how her kids “deserve” the expense paid trips, great vacations and million dollar house.

Deserve? I don’t think so.

I just watched the opening episode for season 5 and it was a tragedy on video. Jon & Kate barely acknowledged one another at their sextuplet’s 5th birthday party. Oh sure, she yelled at him to light candles on the cake the way SHE wanted. She yelled at him NOT to tear open a piñata with his bare hands. She wanted to do it herself. She made him take two trips home to get cakes she had forgotten and her cell phone.

There were some special moments. The most touching was Jon talking to one of his younger daughters. There was real tenderness between them. She hugged his neck and whispered in his ear she did not want him going away again. He said sometimes Daddies got called away to work. That is true if you work offshore or have tours of duty in Iraq.

Jon just seems to want to get away from the media attention and the continuous berating by wife.

There is a need for an intervention.

I pray that someone will guide them into good, godly counseling. Perhaps Kate’s estranged father, who is a minister. She shunned him when his church did not provide cash for baby gifts. She says that her parents are not a part of the kids’ by choice. It is apparently Kate's choice.

For those who watched the 5th birthday party, did you notice ANY family members in attendance?

For someone who treasures family above all else, Kate has insulated her kids from the rest of their blood relatives.

Kate, when you tire of the Prodigal lifestyle, head home.

Both your earthly and heavenly Fathers are waiting for your return with mercy, grace and open arms.