“What’s it like having daughters-in-law?” This question came up during lunch, sitting in the sun in Southern California. (I alluded to the conversation in a previous post.) We were with our friends, Doug and Deb, chatting about life and family. And I’m not even sure why I chose the answer I did. What prompted me to remember the back story, right then? But I did.
I remembered. How years ago, when my guys were still young, middle to high school, I had this defining experience. I guess I’d been thinking about being a boy mom, and how someday, far in the future, my sons would likely marry… have wives. And this thought crossed my mind—
“I suppose my daughters-in-law won’t like me.”
Just that. I’m not even sure why I thought it, but I did. And immediately something happened. Someone interrupted my thoughts. It was the Holy Spirit. The Spirit spoke, like a Counselor. Like a Parent. Firm. Precise. Direct. Clear as day, I heard Him say, “That’s a lie. Knock it off. Don’t believe it.” And He meant it. I could feel the gravity of what He was saying, and I paid attention. It changed my perspective. Altered expectations. To this day.
This day.
Four sons married. Four amazing wives, loving my guys, loving me, too.
The Spirit knew…
I finished my story with tears in my eyes, and my California friends smiled at my circuitous answer.
Goodness.
I’ve told so many people lately, how grateful I am. How my sons' wives bless me, in so many ways. It blows me away.
Grant’s wife, Kiana with her wisdom and talent. Her resilience. Mom of four, and married to an Enneagram 7. lol. Let’s just say this woman has what it takes and then some. And she’s also one of my truest friends.
Ali—brilliant, compassionate, determined. And gloriously witty. Inspiring me to shine as God’s woman. She's the perfect woman to do life with my Luke.
Brina, married to Nils. Spirit-filled, fruit-bearing follower of Jesus. Loving husband and baby with truest devotion. Also a bit OCD. (Which is to say, perhaps most like me.)
And Sidney. Strong-willed, soft-hearted, dark-horse of the family. Loyal to a fault. Champion of Jimmy. Favorite Auntie. DIL of this mama’s dreams.
Which honestly. They all are. The stuff of dreams.
Probably the most understated gift of this season. A season of empty nest and starting over. New home, new church, new work. New friends. Wondering, at times, who my friends really are. And then. Seeing how God has provided. And provided. More than I’d ever asked or imagined.
They are my friends.
I laugh now. Thinking about the Holy Spirit getting on my case, getting in my face. Telling me not to believe those lies. Because he knew the future. He saw these women.
And He must have been laughing, too.
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