My New Role

With Tyler and Baillie's engagement announcement, I have been automatically thrust into a new role...mother of the groom.  A good friend who has been through this experience twice explained that the mother of the groom is just expected to "show up, shut up, and wear beige."  Sounds easy enough, except for the wearing beige part...not a good color for me.  I hope they will understand if I wear purple.  

More important, though, after all the wedding hoopla is over, will be my new role as mother-in-law.  I have given this role much thought over the years, because I understand the gravity of the relationship to the couples' happiness, as well as the unity of the family.  They don't make mother-in-law jokes for nothin', and I certainly don't want to be another Marie Barone!  

Joel and I decided long ago that we would welcome our children's spouses into our family with open arms.  It's important to consider the sovereignty of God, that he works ALL things according to the counsel of His will, even the marriages of our children.  Our desire is to extend the love of Christ to our children and their families.


While we were with extended family on New Year's Day, someone asked about New Year's resolutions, and my off-the-cuff response was "to be a good mother-in-law."  I know that answer is really subjective and ambiguous...define "good" in practical terms.  I want to be supportive, encouraging, and wise in offering advice.  I would love to hear helpful suggestions (comments) from any of you with mother-in-law experience...seriously.  I value the wisdom of others.