Family. What comes to your mind when you hear that word? Do you think of your own or your friend’s family who you wish you had? Do you think of all the fun you have with your family, or all the times you argue with your siblings? Do you think the of the “perfect” family on TV shows or do you laugh at the idea of loving everybody in your family and having no flaws?

Well, no matter who you are, we all have a family. Whether you are adopted, live with your biological family or dream of the day when you live by yourself, we all have them and we all need them.

Humans need intimacy and family is one of the best places to get it. Now, families are messy. Everybody argues at some point, we all miscommunicate, everybody makes mistakes, but we need them. Genesis says, “The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal; but for the man no helper was found corresponding to him.” (Genesis 2:20 CSB)

Adam needed family, and God knew it. He made them just for us. Now, that doesn’t mean that families are perfect. Honestly, families are so incredibly imperfect, and that’s the beauty of it. Even amidst the messiness, there is still proof that God loves us to give us those safe places. But, for some of us, our families aren’t safe spaces. Some of us can’t trust them, love them, or be around them.

That’s where God comes in. He made you, He is your Heavenly Father who is the role model of all fathers on earth. They should aspire to be just like Him, loving and disciplining you, and cherishing you just as God would. And even though our earthly families are not perfect, we are part of the most perfect, beautiful, safe family there ever was. It wouldn’t even be complete without you in it. 2 Corinthians says “And, I will be a Father to you and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”” (2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV)

Our Father is always there for us, no matter what.

~Willow