So my mother-in-law is an incredible human. She will probably be embarrassed by the fact that I’m going to write this whole blog post about her, but I’m going to do it anyway. She has taught me one of the most important lessons of all…unconditional love.
You know how most people roll their eyes when the word “mother in law” is spoken? Well, not me. I have no idea how or why I was so stinking lucky, but that woman is one of the coolest people I know.
I’ve told you that her family is amazing, and their love is all encompassing, but I haven’t told you that she is the oldest of the 6 siblings that make up that family. Her parents, GG and Grandpa GG, are two of the most influential people not just for their children, but for many many people they may not know that they’ve touched. They were a strong presence in my life while they were here, and their daughter, Linda, carries that influence in the loving ways that they always did.
I just recently realized that I had a front row seat to some of the most forgiving and fulfilling love that a person can bestow upon another person.
You see, her son, her ONLY son, married a girl that was an outspoken atheist and that directly conflicted with the single most important part of her life. Jesus.
Furthermore, I was raising her grandchildren!
Most grandparents know how precious grandchildren are, and how grandparents want only the best for their grandchildren. Here I was, raising her most precious gifts from God in a home where their mother didn’t understand or appreciate her number one priority.
You know what she did with that knowledge for over 20 years?
She loved me.
She never once told me what I “should” do or how I “should” act. She never made me feel guilty or less than for anything at all. She never made suggestions as to how to raise her grandchildren. She never asked me to believe in God, or honor her religion.
In fact, even when I would, point blank, ask her a question and want her opinion on raising her grandchildren, she would just say, “oh Callie. I think you’re doing great.”
She’s ALWAYS had a smile, a hug, an ear, and an open kitchen table for me. She was and still is a reservoir of a human. Yes, I said, reservoir. Think about that word, and you’ll understand exactly the kind of person she is.
About a year ago, when I was in the first few months of being able to believe in God, I had so many new emotions and concepts to think through. I realized what she has always been in my life, and I thanked her for her genuine kindness, patience, and unconditional love.
It was when I was thanking her that I realized the gravity of true Love. Her firm foundation in the love of Jesus, has always been her greatest strength. Her love for me was a direct result of her love for Jesus. He has made her the person I’ve always longed to be.
…And He gave me her as a mother-in-law…
That gift is not lost on me.
I thank Him everyday for her.
