I believe in family

This past month we've participated in two family reunions--one from my husband's family and one from mine. During these reunions I saw tantrums, dirty dishes, tired children and parents, and sulking teenagers. Our families are flawed. We are imperfect in our interactions as families and as individuals. We make mistakes as children. We make mistakes as parents. So why are families part of Heavenly Father's plan of happiness? How can sending babies to flawed parents be the best way to learn and grow? I have to believe that Heavenly Father planned on families being messy and parents learning from children and children learning from parents as we progress. I have to believe that He doesn't expect us to be perfect. I do believe that He expects us to improve and that family is the best way for us to learn to be like our Father in Heaven.
At these reunions I also saw smiles, hugs, yummy food, children swimming and playing, and the encouragement and support of cousins, siblings, parents, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. I know that my family loves me and always will. I know that the experiences we had as children and now as adults bind us. I know that even though attending reunions is a sacrifice of time, resources, and sanity, strong family relationships are developed through spending time together. And I know that Heavenly Father's plan of happiness is not just for our time on this earth, but for eternity. I believe in family now and family forever.