I could see the excitement in my kindergartener’s eyes as we walked through the lunch line together — his first real experience in the school cafeteria. He had begged me the night before to join him. We talked at lunch, enjoyed our milk and pizza, but it was over all too soon. He lined up with his class to resume the daily activities, and that’s when it happened.

He ran in full force straight to me, leaped into my arms (no joke, I almost fell over) and gave me the biggest hug & kiss ever. Ever. And, it was in front of his whole class.

Melt.

As I was walking to the car, happy tears streamed. How am I this blessed? I’m his #1 gal, he truly loves me.

Just like in my normal {unhealthy} style, I couldn’t stay in the joyous moment. I had to start thinking about the future.

I pray for him to find the love of his life and marry one day. I’ll be cheering from the sidelines as he and his wife create a beautiful family.

Daydream.

“A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” Genesis 2:24

But that also means, I will no longer be his #1 gal. I’ll be a mother-in-law.

End of dream.

I want to get this on record before I become a mother-in-law – I think they get a bad rap! I know some of you must be thinking, She can’t possibly know what I have to deal with.

It’s true, I don’t know your circumstances. But, I’m certain of this:

Your mother-in-law is not perfect. No one is.

Your mother-in-law will not always say and do the right things. No one does.

Your mother-in-law needs forgiveness. Everyone does.

I highly respect my mother-in-law. She raised an amazing, Godly man who is now my husband. What a gift! Early in our marriage, I respected her so much that I expected perfection. When she made mistakes, I couldn’t believe it. I judged her at a higher standard.

After 16 years, we’ve had our ups-and-downs. We’ve had misunderstandings and disagreements. We’ve said things we regret. I’ve put up walls. {And, I write this with her approval first.}

But this I know for sure, we love and forgive each other. When we mess up, we extend grace.

No matter what, I must always remember … my mother-in-law used to be my husband’s #1 gal.

He will only have one mother.

And, I can’t imagine the difficulty it is for her to step-aside and cheer from the sidelines.

So, I know. There are tough personalities and family issues. But, that relationship with your mother-in-law, it’s important to your husband and your marriage.

Keep the peace. Restore that strong family bond. Love and forgive.