Grateful for Grateful

So, my mother-in-law invited me to blog about something I'm grateful for and I immediately thought, "Oh, the choices..."

Do I tell about my amazing, wonderful and beautiful little girl? Because not a day goes by that I don't thank the Lord for her – yeah, I'm grateful.

Or maybe I could write about how fortunate I am to have a family who lives near me and a mother, father, brothers and sisters-in-law who love me very much. I'm really grateful for them.

Or how about my job? I'm lucky enough to love what I do – and I'm good at it! How great is that?!

But I knew, almost immediately, what I was most grateful for at the time. Her. I'm soooo thankful for her.

Almost ten years ago, a 20-year-old redhead came into her life. It was a slow and tentative start to what would turn out to be a very important and very sincere relationship between us. I had all the same nerves as any daughter-in-law-to-be has ("I hope she knows how much I love him..." "I hope she knows I'd never hurt him..." "I hope they approve...", etc.).

Well, safe to say, she does know how much I love him, she does know I'd never hurt him and I do know they approve! I never would've imagined we'd come this far – great friends and confidantes. I wish the term was "Mother-in-heart" instead of "law". Because it is certainly not law that binds us.

My mother-in-heart has done some amazing things for my family. From hours upon hours of advice (she should've logged them and invoiced me!) to Island Princess Birthday Parties. But the most wonderful thing my mother-in-law has given me is her patience and guidance in leading me to God. She has not wavered, she has not judged and she has never given up on me. She says it's not her – it's Him, but He was there all along and I still wasn't listening. Thankfully, our God is a smart God and He knew: There's one person with whom she can't roll her eyes and ignore. One person who makes her listen – Tammy! And so with her help and patience and diligence, she led me to Him. And thanks be to God (and Tammy) that my water has been poured and my voids have been filled. That is what I've been searching for. That feeling. That fulfillment. That love.

So, thank you, Tammy. I'm now eagerly awaiting my opportunity to be baptized. I've chosen to do it in Atlanta with Tammy and at her church since they were both a HUGE factor in this wonderful decision. It is now my turn to provide guidance and undying patience to my husband. Unfortunately he has not yet shared this journey, but I emphasize yet.

With a thankful heart,
Elizabeth