“God sets the lonely in families.”   Psalms 68:6 NIV

God blessed me with children who enjoy independence.  From a young age, my son enjoyed dressing himself.  While he got the pants to match the shirts, sometimes, they were inside out or backward.  I would point to the seam for him to fix it. We struggled with this for years.  He wanted to do it by himself, but I could see that it was wrong.  One day, we sat down for dinner and he pointed to my pants.  I looked down to find the seam along with a tag sticking out.  I had done it, too.  I went all day with my pants inside out.  Ugh.

Families are great about finding mistakes. My family knows me better than anyone else. They find my mistakes and have no problems pointing them out. It’s frustrating, but not frightening. Families provide safe places to make mistakes. They don’t kick you out for saying something stupid, or tease you endlessly for wearing your pants inside out. Parents (mentors) gently guide you back into place. Children bring out your worst so you can become better.

Writing can be a lonely place. The calling to write is individual, but we aren’t meant to do it alone. God provides us with a family of writers. You can find them on social media, writing conferences, or online critique groups. I started writing alone at a young age. I chose a different path in college, but, recently, God called me back.  I remember being uncertain of my next steps. A new friend entered my life to invite me to her critique group and offer encouragement.  God sent me a friend to guide me into a writing family.

Lord, thank you for providing us with families. Remove my proud, stubborn heart. Replace it with a teachable, humble spirit. Let me embrace the family you have provided so others can thrive in their calling.