We've reached the end of the series on in-law relationships. Thank you so much to all who contributed to this series. Today I'm just going to post links to the various posts and resources, and then leave us with a few quotes and thoughts from friends. First, what's the purpose of this relationship?

What's the Goal?

Here are three guest posts and one extra link on showing grace and the love of Christ to our in-laws (relevant for every relationship):

Guest Post by Kim Shay, whose mother-in-law was instrumental in her conversion

Guest Post by Rachel Lonas, who didn't fit her mother-in-law's expectations, but was shown love and grace anyway

Guest Post by Kyle Castro, whose in-laws gave him a second chance at family

The Generosity of Centered Love, by Beth Impson

Then, some thoughts on what causes these relationships to get off to a rough start:

How Do We Go Wrong?

But what about those relationships that just aren't working? Is there hope?

Guest Post by Marci Preheim - for when your marriage isn't big enough for the three of you

Finally, here are some thoughts from a few friends about their relationships with their in-laws:

On the Initial Meeting:

My first encounter with my MIL was me taking the first step in writing my future in laws a short thank you note telling them how grateful I was to them for raising my husband in a godly home and with character that I admired and had come to love. I told them that I had been praying for a man like him and was really looking forward to meeting them (Was invited up to MI for Thanksgiving) Not sure what prompted me to do that other than I really did feel grateful and wanted to express it to them. Anyway, when I got there she welcomed me with a huge hug and seemed genuinely happy to see me. When she showed me the room she had set up for me, there was a gift bag with a blanket, a light sweater and some University of Michigan slippers. (She thought since I was coming from FL, that I might be cold since I wasn't used to the weather.) - Theresa

On TV Viewing and In-Law Relationships:

Daughter-in-Law: You need to IGNORE hat the world says about MIL's, block "Everybody Loves Raymond" on TV, it will only poison you towards your MIL. You may be landing a great MIL, sometimes that relationship just takes time to blossom! 

Mother-in-Law:  Be patient. Watch "Everybody Loves Raymond" and vow to NEVER EVER be like Marie. Wait for your DIL to ask for your advice, or start up conversations and see if it leads to her asking you for help/advice. - Melissa

On Bringing Together Families:

I always keep the story of Ruth in my mind & on my heart----especially on the bad days. I included verses from Ruth in my wedding vows that I wrote: "your people shall be my people". I meant that when I said that to my husband almost 33 years ago. - Wanda

I hope this series has been an encouragement to others, as I know it has to me. I'm still irrational about giving up my son one day. But at the end of the day, he was never mine to begin with. I'm so thankful for the love of Christ that draws us into His family and brings strangers together. Our physical families may never be close and our in-law relationships may be fraught with pain. But His bride--the church--is our eternal family. And He is our brother, our friend, our bride-groom and our savior. What joy there is in knowing Him!