Don’t call the nana police – this was just a fun time with my grandchildren playing. I was obviously the “bad guy” that got tied up.

“In-laws and out-laws, we all have them!” Words of wisdom from my father shortly after I was married. At the time, I did not comprehend the meaning. It seemed cruel to call your relatives out-laws.

I’m sure my daughter-in-law wanted to consider me an out-law when I rearranged her kitchen shelves while she and our son were on a trip. I love to organize and it seemed the thing to do. She did not agree. Another daughter-in law was not pleased with me when I cleaned out her flower beds. They were weeds weren’t they???? Both of our sons, said, “Mother, please don’t.” My husband said, “I told you so.” It is not easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.

My cousin calls her in-laws by a different name. She refers to her son’s wife as her daughter-in-love. When I heard this the first time, I thought, “I want to be a mother-in-love to my girls.”

This time of year, you may relate to the term – out-laws. Some need to be handled with kid gloves and those who, let’s be honest, we’d like to tape their mouth and tie them up – just for a few minutes.

If you are fortunate to have family gather, don’t just be an in-law – please don’t be an out-law. Instead choose to be a

mother-in-love

father-in-love

brother-in-love

or a sister-in-love.

Just so you know the grandchildren
above still love their Nana Pat and hopefully my daughter-in-loves consider me a mother-in-love – most of the time!

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves.