The Dreaded Mother-In-Law?

A few months before our big day, my husband's mother told me, "He's MINE until the wedding."

I wondered what I was in for.

But I shouldn't have worried. I suspect the stress of her youngest and only son getting married got to her that summer. As soon as we were husband and wife, she knew to give us space. She remembered what she wished from her own mother-in-law and responded in kind. We've had no power struggles, no bickering behind each other's backs. We even like each other. Imagine! It's not that we agree on every issue or never drive each other a little crazy, but we love and respect the other enough to give some slack, to overlook small annoyances.

Harmony and peace. Trust and respect.

With my mother-in-law.

Yes, it's possible.

When I try to put my finger on what makes our relationship work, I come up with a few reasons. She's respected my position in her son's life and I respect hers. We value the sanctity of marriage and understand the importance of "being one." We vocalize our love and appreciation of each other. But most significant, both of us love God and put him first in our lives. With commitment to Him and faith in common, why wouldn't we get along?

But we do more than get along. Occasionally she'll call when something's on her mind and she needs a sympathetic ear. I've cried in her kitchen a time or two. We know the other is there if needed. What a blessing to find a friend in your mother-in-law!

And I suppose my husband should get some of the credit, for making us both feel valued, preventing us from being threatened by the other. I've never felt less important to him because of her and I hope she can say the same. Thank you, honey, for helping your mother and I form a good bond by being attentive and thoughtful to BOTH of us. You made it easier.

I'm happy to say I don't screw up my face when someone mentions my mother-in-law. She's been good to me and to my family. Our lives are better because of her. When I was praying for a husband, I never thought to pray about the new family I'd inherit. But praise God He thought for me, giving over and above what I asked. He gave me a wonderful husband, and threw in a terrific mother-in-law for flair. Thank You, Lord!

How has your mother-in-law been a blessing in your life?

Read more in-law stories at Chrysalis.