Recently I thought of the upcoming holiday, Easter, and I cringe remembering how difficult it was for me as a young mother when my MIL (mother-in-law) would undermine me as a mother and her interfering would cause issues between my EH (earthly husband) and me. Now as an older, wiser woman with grandchildren of my own and several DILs (daughter-in-laws), I am thankful for the lessons my MIL taught me of what not to do.
When our children were young, my EH went through a *phase of not wanting to celebrate Easter as pagans do, so we agreed we would have a Hallelujah Breakfast focusing on our Savior “He has Risen.” We did agree to give the children candy, just not easter bunnies and easter eggs that we were concerned about (at the time). Unfortunately, my MIL (mother -in-law) didn’t honor her own parents nor submit to her FH (former husband) (even though she was always an “outspoken” Christian maybe this is an oxymoron, contradicting "A Gentle and Quiet Spirit"), so it’s not surprising that no matter how much her son explained, she would ignore our parenting decisions.
It took me too many holidays before I can say I was able to embrace her insulting behavior each time she’d send the most outrageously pagan displays in a huge box that was also brimming with candy. No matter how much we agreed (and it was my EH who would propose this), when the box came he would cave and my heart would break yet again. I finally realized it was due to not really looking for the GOOD in everything! He’s promised me, He’s promised you, this very thing—in order that we MAY “smile at the future.”
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 And no matter how long you wait, HE WILL work it out for GOOD.
Be Agreeable, Yielding towards Everyone!
The example the Lord, our HH, left us is to be agreeable, yielding to others—even those who desire to hurt or harm us.
Just above this all-familiar principle “In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if any of them are disobedient to the Word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.” 1Pet. 3:1-2 He said, “In the same way” to indicate how HE handled adversity... “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps…and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him (God) who judges [each situation] righteously.” 1Pet. 2:21-23.
Wisely Keeping Silent
With the “pandemic praise” of being isolated in our homes—most of us are spending more and more time with family by way of video chats. I never imagined that I’d be crawling under blankets (by way of my grandchildren’s ipads) as I’m invited to tour and spending time talking and laughing in their fort. But most of my time is spent listening and smiling at the future even when, and especially when, I hear things that are contrary to the way I raised my own children or would want my grandchildren raised. How?
Since I was not a mother who played with her children (as so many parents do today), I really didn’t know how to make so much time we now spent together, fun! So of course I asked Him and immediately He wisely said, “You don’t have to do or plan anything. Just smile, listen and make them feel special and loved.” How easy and how much more enjoyable it’s been for me too!
If you’re struggling with an upcoming holiday, please be sure to go to our Encouraging Women Holidays page. And if you have a
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*Phase. To understand, you can read more in “Trick or Treating”
~ Michelle