Belong (Five Minute Friday)

Welcome to Five Minute Friday (which I celebrate on any day I make time to write!. The rules for how it works are simple:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking. (On your own blog or in the comments here).
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

And so here are my 5 minutes on
BELONG

I have been gifted with an amazing woman for a (ex)-mother-in-law. Her name starts with J, but from the beginning she told me to call her Mom U. When her son asked me to marry him a lifetime ago, J embraced me and welcomed me to the family. She shows hospitality like no woman I've ever met, except maybe my Grammie. J can invite anyone to her home - a perfect stranger or a friend she's known for 60+ years. She treats them all the same and makes them feel like they belong, even when they are convinced that they might have nothing at all in common with anyone else who is there.

She cooks up a storm, as your stereo-typical southern hostess would, or if it's a small gathering, she makes a plate (or two) of little treats - my girls call them ma-ma-ma goodies. And there's nothing better than a snack of a recipe she's had in her family for generations. It breaks the ice, starts the conversation, and always leads to lots of laughter.

Over the past few years, our family situation has been a bit - ummm - shall we say - stormy. There's been a world of mess, hurt feelings. seemingly unforgiveable actions and harsh words. And through it all, J has still made me feel like I belong. That's no easy feat, let me assure you. She still welcomes me as if I am her daughter, even though there's now another daughter on the scene. She still loves me, and prays for me, and never hesitates to let me know that she is there if I need her.

She is filled with grace like I've seen nowhere else, and her home is always open, always welcoming. She has been an amazing blessing in my life, and one I am so thankful that has continued despite the marriage having ended. And this I know without a doubt, as much as she makes me feel like I still belong - she gives the same feeling to the new daughter. Because J serves with grace. She makes everyone in her home feel like they belong there. She has a gift of making folks feel welcome and loved.  And I pray every day that I might do the same.

So ... Thanks, Mom U, for being the example we all so desperately need. You are a gift in my life. And I thank the Lord every day that I have been able to know you, love you, and be a part of your family.

Love,
Jen