The Excellent Woman

by | May 21, 2013 | Uncategorized | 2 comments

Most girls dream of a husband who loves them dearly, adores them unabashedly and stands alongside them till death do them part. Sounds like the fairy tale come true, huh?

But what about the family they bring with them? Uh, oh…wait a minute.  No one said there were more people involved in this love story!!

If you don’t think your in-laws are an important aspect of your relationship…please, think again.

They encompass who your spouse is; where they come from and why they think the way they do.

Indeed, these are the individuals who molded your loved one to be who they were when you met them and will continue to have quite a bit of influence on them as your partner makes his or her own path in life with you.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

WOW.

Did I ever hit the jack pot!!

In fact, my mother-in-law, Jan, is having her 70th birthday today and she is truly a GEM.

Sure, she started out as just Lee’s mom, but she has ended up being one of my dearest friends.  Who knew I could be so lucky?!?!

Jan is the quintessential wife, mother and woman.  She loves ferociously, gives generously and is the kind of friend everyone wants to have.

He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend. Proverbs 22:11

Now, she’d probably tell you that she has done what she had to do and lived a quiet, sweet life on a farm in Henry, Tennessee for over 40 years.

Do not be fooled.

She is one of the most courageous, self-sacrificing and rock-solid women I have ever met.

Her talents are exceptional, her eye for color and style are extraordinary and the energy she runs around with on a daily basis exceed that of an F4 hurricane.  The woman never slows down!

And whether she knows it or not, Jan has taught me how to strive to be an excellent woman. How? You ask.

Well, let’s see….

  1. She’s made me feel valuable as a wife and mother. Of course, as the mother of my husband, to feel like I’m living up to her standard is an honor.
  2. She’s encouraged me to make every effort to follow my dreams of writing. I love that she reads my GEMs faithfully and shares them with her friends.  Her support is immeasurable and her occasional comments always make me feel loved.
  3. She loves me as one of her own.  There are no words for this kind of bond between two women.
  4. She is amazing with my children.  Okay, Grandmother Jan ROCKS!  I wish I had her when I was a child.  My kids are so blessed to have her undivided attention any time she is around them.  It’s fun to watch and warms my heart like nothing else can.

I am blessed beyond measure by my relationship with my mother-in-law, Jan.  I definitely do not tell her enough how much she means to me, how much I love her and how I am fortunate to call her mom.

Happy Birthday, Grandmother Jan!!!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 31:10-12 – An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.  The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.  She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

2 Comments

  1. Joyce Hastings

    Meg. You did win the lottery when it came to Mother in laws. Wish you could have been at the party. Always enjoy your gems, especially the one today. Love, Joyce

    Reply
    • meghays

      Thanks, Joyce!!! I wish the boys and I could have celebrated with you guys!!! However, very glad Lee got to make it with Tod. We are all excited about school getting out and going to Colorado to hang out with Grandmother Jan. The boys are ecstatic!!!

      Reply

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