The best marriage advice I ever received was to "let the in-laws be". I am convinced that this is the main reason why our marriage has not encountered the typical in-law weirdness and frustration that people speak of. The article I read that nifty piece of advice in went on to explain how pointless it is to take anything they think, do, or desire personally. It reminded the bride that her husband was first their beloved child for who they knew what was best. Any opinion they may have or thing they may do cannot be looked at as a way to sabotage you and and your spouse's opinion of you. They honestly believe they are loving their child before they are thinking of how they may be affecting you. Even when it is obvious that their "loving" opinion, idea, or desire is not the best thing for the spouse or marriage, they are blinded by love. A different kind of love, but love nonetheless. This clever little tip has not only prevented me from taking offense but has also given me an understanding and appreciation for their love and concern. Granted, my husband's priority of God's opinion of our marriage over his parent's opinion of our marriage should be credited greatly. I couldn't imagine how tough it would be to have a husband pressuring me to please his parents or do things their way. (It goes without saying that this can all be applied vice versa) . I am grateful.
My mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and sister-in-law's-best-friend were in town for their spring break all week. It was a wonderful week of girl time and childhood stories. We had a low-budget, relaxing week filled with menstruating girls, puppy training, kitty lovin', Chinese checkers, Phase 10 and Clue. (My husband usually avoids those last two games at all cost) Rebekah, my sister-in-law, and I are very much "kindred spirits", I love watching her grow into such a lovely young lady. She's going to make quite the nurse one day. As she cleaned out my cat's ears with a q-tip (couldn't believe the cat let her), she filled me in on the goats she helped deliver in a previous job on a farm and the enemas she use to give an elderly lady. ... She is only 19. I don't think nursing school will scare her at all. Her best friend and her are hilarious to watch together. They are a taste of each other's medicine. And mom-in-law. I finally told her, it's been a year and I still don't know what to call her. Like I suspected, she said "mom". She is such a strong woman, with so many gifts. It was fun to encourage her, (there's a lot going on at their home church), and spend some one-on-one time with her. We hadn't ever had the time to do that. I must admit, I took pride in how smoothly and naturally our time was. I think it was needed since we haven't had the opportunity to really build a relationship. I love thinking about how close we will all be 15 years down the road. There is something beautiful about "forever". There's always another chance.
Anyway, that is where my week has gone. It's been a while since I stayed awake till 1 or 2 for 4 consecutive days. I'm off to take a much deserved nap....
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