A Mother (in-law)’s Gift
I write a lot about how God is working in my life–or more often about how He is working in other people’s lives that directly affect me. I believe that God is the master knitter and each stitch is meant to be such an important part of the covering he is creating–all the time.
My original blog was “in everything give thanks” and I loved the idea of showing gratitude for each and everything in our lives–from each breath to the food on the table in the house where we live.
I was just given the best Mother’s Day gift ever. I was able to spend a week with my Mother-In-Law. We had a staycation in my home. We cooked side by side, we knitted side by side, we folded clothes side by side and pondered the idea of whether I would actually get the vacuum run or the lawn mowed during her visit.
I only had a week to prepare for her visit–I knew that she was coming for a weekend but found out about the extended stay with just a week’s notice. I started out in panic mode–with the normal crazy busy of our schedule I wondered how I was going to make everything perfect. The Mary/Martha struggle that I live with. Then I decided to proceed like Mary.
The highlight of the trip was my daughter’s First Communion. I’ve helped her for months to prepare for this Sacrament and all of a sudden I shifted from spiritual preparedness to worrying about fingerprints and dust. I realized that I needed to focus on what was truly important. I stopped thinking about the cleaning schedule and gave myself permission to plan and be organized–then stop to enjoy this “First” moment.
For the first time I didn’t make myself and those who love me crazy with the Martha level of perfection. I did the minimum and let the rest happen.
My MIL gave me the gift of time and I gave myself the gift of a humble pie, accepting a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time with her without the agenda of a perfectionist. I allowed myself to be imperfect, real, authentic and grateful. I felt genuine gratitude–really felt it–not just the Hallmark card or the Helen Stein watercolor variety of gratitude–but real, take a deep breath and EXHALE.
It was an awesome visit. I feel renewed and refreshed–and that you can’t buy in a store. I learned that I have value independent of perfectionism. I thought of my MIL as I vacuumed the house and mowed the lawn. I hoped that she felt renewed, refreshed and loved.
Thank you God for putting amazing women in my life! I am blessed to be inspired, encouraged and loved by so many of your daughters. I only hope that through your grace I will be able to encourage and inspire as I serve you.
That’s so wonderful to have a mother-in-law like that! It made me think of Ruth and Naomi – sometimes these relationships can be unexpectedly precious.
(coming to you via WIP Weds)
Thanks for your kind words–I was amazed at how much better I felt when I let myself just be in the moment, not trying to be something impressive. A lesson I’m moving forward with–even though it is so hard to do–why is something so simple so difficult?
“but real, take a deep breath and EXHALE.”
Love this quote! I struggle with everything having to be perfect as well. It’s so refreshing when we allow ourselves to just relax and soak up what’s really important!
Thanks for linking up at WIP Wednesday!
Mary Beth
newlifesteward.com
I plan on doing it again this Wednesday! So inspiring!