Wisdom Worthy: On Becoming a Mother-in-Law

I’ve had a few years to think about and prepare for becoming a mother-in-law but becoming “the old Mrs. Averette” is happening a little sooner that I thought it would, honestly. Yesterday he loved Star Wars, that old dog, and well . . . me.

And then he met Molly.

A Love Found

I still remember how he first described her. “Mom, she’s a lot like you.” Silently I wait as he explains what he means. Thankfully, his description is nothing like the image in my mind of my 17 year old self.  I am touched that he knows my heart so well and honored that he sees qualities worthy of his carefully chosen first love. When I meet her I am humbled that he would compare the two of us.

She is small and fierce and loves Jesus. He has chosen well.

As months pass it becomes clear to everyone that there is a special love between them. I know the look.

A Later Time

Recently, sweet friends from our church hosted a Bridal Coffee (The coffee punch was delicious. Hopefully, I can share the recipe soon.) As Molly was opening her gifts someone had written “For the new Mrs. Averette” on the card she read aloud. She giggled a bit and blushed. I smiled and said, “So I guess that makes me “the old Mrs. Averette”. Everyone laughed.

But let me just shout it out right here in black and white:  “I COULDN’T BE MORE THRILLED TO BE ‘THE OLD MRS. AVERETTE’”.  Molly is one of the sweetest, kindest, hardest-working, most thoughtful, young women I have ever met. Everyone who knows her would agree. I am delighted to be earning a new title!

A Lesson Learned

I will be a good mother-in-law. I vowed years ago that I would. It was a lesson I had to learn the hard way.

So many years ago, as a new bride, I remember thinking often, “If she only knew how much I love this precious son of hers . . .”

I have no doubt that Molly loves Jon Eric. I’ve seen it displayed over and over. And while she has all the wonderful traits (and many more) that I’ve mentioned, nothing is more important to me than this fact: she loves this precious son of mine. That one thought will always be my reference point as a mother-in-law.

As someone who’s been married 28+ years I know all too well that marriage is not a commitment for the faint-hearted. It’s hard work this two-becoming-one. I’ll not make it harder for them.

He’ll never have to choose between us.

I pray he steps into this new season of life confident in the steadfast love of his mother but clinging fiercely to his wife of noble character—a God given treasure.

She’s soon to be “the new Mrs. Averette” and I couldn’t be happier for her.

A wife of noble character who can find?
 She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
 and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Proverbs 31: 10-12; 29-30 NIV

Moms, how can you prepare to become the “mother-in-law,” whether it is for your son or daughter’s future mate?

Daughters, as you look at that Proverbs 31 passage, what do you need to do in your life now to become this type of woman?