This week I’ve been thinking about family.
Well, when you have 8 children and homeschool, you have family with you ALL the time, but I’ve been thinking about extended family.
Today I’m thinking particularly about my mother-in-law.
Over the years I’ve heard horror stories about MILs from hell, dreadful women who seek to manipulate and control their daughters-in-law and wreak havoc in the marriages of their children. Women who show favoritism to grandchildren and who completely disregard the desires and standards of their children.
My mother-in-law is a darling! She has always been careful to never push into our lives, even when she disagrees. She treats us with respect and honors our decisions and choices. In many ways, I have felt at least as much love and respect from my mother-in-law as I did from my own mother (who tended to be more verbal and critical with me when she disagreed).
My mother-in-law has a marvelous sense of humor and independence and fun. Unfortunately we don’t get to see her nearly as often as we’d like, with us living 1500 miles away. But when we have been together, I feel such ease and comfortableness in her presence.
I have learned a great deal from her over the years, things she’ll never know I learned this side of eternity. And I hope I have learned how to be as good a mother-in-law for my children’s future spouses as she is, and has been, for me.
So, here is a big thank you to Mary, my darling mother-in-law and blessing to my life.
All Scripture quotations are taken from the NASB.
Unless otherwise indicated, photos from pixaby.com
Such a nice post, blessings to you, and your family.
Thank you, Denise!
That is a wonderful tribute to your mother-in-law, Kate. I too, have been blessed with one of those gems that seem to be so rare. It’s a good example to me of what to do when I become a mother-in-law.
Amen, Terri!
what a nice tribute to you MIL. you are very blessed to have an MIL who’s such a darling.
Yes, I am totally blessed!
That is fabulous. Like you I am super blessed with a wonderful MIL who I call “Mom”. Have a fabulous day 🙂
Isn’t it GREAT to have a wonderful godly mother-in-law?
What a sweet tribute to your mother in law! My own has been so helpful to us in our marriage…there were times I did feel my toes trod on a bit, but thanks be to God, she was always there for us when we needed her. Right now she needs us as she’s been diagnosed with cancer and her mind-set isn’t too good..we’re trying to speak life to her since she seems to have given up and just waiting to die. Treasure your reaationships.. you never know how long you have with them.
Lisa Marie, I’m so glad that you are able to be there to help and support your mother-in-law during this time for her and to be her strength and encouragement.
I heard those same stories and I am with you I have a lovely Mother In Law and Father In Law. They accepted me the moment they meet me. I visit them regularly we go to dinner together and we come back to the house and talk share stories and share the gospel. I know some people probably don’t have a great IN LAWS but I thank God for giving me Great IN LAWS
Well, amen to that!
What an awesome post to honor your mother-in-law! She seems like a gem. You are very blessed.
Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with this week.
Thanks, Iris…yes, she is a treasure!