In one of my earlier posts I mentioned how in young women's girls sometimes make a list of qualities they want in the future spouse. As a part of my "grown up" version of that list, two of the on my list are very important to me. First, I want my future spouse to love my parents like his own, and second, I want to love his parents like my own. I've witnessed as a number of friends and family members end up disliking their in-laws and never want to do anything with their in-laws. Will my love for my future in-laws be a deciding factor on who I marry? No. Will having this mindset help me in accomplishing this goal? Yes, I believe it really will.
We are commanded in John 13:37 to love one another, it says "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." It doesn't say "Love everyone except your in-laws" It says to love everyone. I'm not suggesting that your in-laws should be your best friends. But face reality, they are your spouses family, so they are now your family. You are going to see them, spend time with them, maybe even vacation with them. Why not love them like they're your own parents.
Growing up I had a friend who usually invited me to family parties. I loved family parties at her house because no matter the occasion (a birthday, a holiday, or simply a Saturday BBQ) it was always her Mom's whole family and her Dad's whole family. They were the epitome of a big happy family. I loved the idea of including both sides of the family in your activities instead of doing separate parties.
I mentioned earlier that I think having this mindset will help me when I begin the decision to marry someone. The way I see it, because I know I want to love whoever my future in-laws are then I will go into with the intent to love them, and love them deeply. I won't go into meeting them with the hesitation that maybe we won't get along, or maybe I won't like them. I think a lot of getting to know people has a lot to do with one's mindset. With my mind set to love, it will be easier to reach that goal.
