By Kathleen Swartz McQuaig

You two are overboard on this religion stuff, my mother-in-law snapped, glaring at us across the dining-room table. My husband and I shifted uncomfortably in our seats. The rest of the family grew deathly quiet. What had started as a lighthearted response to my brother-in-laws questionabout what wed been up tohad turned into a topic of dissension. My mother-in-law, who had grown bitter toward church, didnt want to hear about our faith or anyone elses.

Her harshness gave painful definition to Jesus words about mother-in-law against daughter-in-law. I hated the division that came as she shunned the most integral part of me. At times I felt like I was dealing with Satan himself. Still, I loved this woman with a deep unconditional love that defied understandingeven my own.

If youve ever prayed for a loved one who has turned from Godif youve ever experienced the burden to share while facing an insurmountable brick wallif youve ever been verbally attacked for your own deep love of our Lord, then know you are not alone. Our Lords timing is His own.

Mimmy mother-in-law, a fiery redhead, was a strong, take-charge person. She embraced life with passion, filling it with beautiful people and exquisite things. Mim entertained with a flair, generous and lavish. On the outside she appeared to have more than anyone could want. But inside, Mim hungered for a love that she kept at arms length.

Every holiday I struggled with the idea of adding to her earthly possessions when, more than anything, I longed to wrap up the life-giving freedom that comes from letting go and letting God. Unable to share Him with Mim, I prayed for our Lord to send her others who could speak the truth.

Over the years, Mims countenance softened. We grew close in other ways, learning to laugh at life together. I saw from her eyes as she shared memories of trying to snuggle close to a mother who pulled away from her. It seemed that Mim didnt know how to respond to unconditional love because shed not been raised with it. I sensed that during those times when Mim still lashed out at my faith, it was not what I was doing as much as the void she felt within. Though I treaded gently, I never stopped praying or being who I was.

One afternoon I answered my phone to hear Mims voice. I have something to share with you, she said. But I dont want you to get upset. The doctor suspects ovarian cancer but doesnt yet know for sure.

Oh Mim, I said gently, None of us knows what tomorrow brings. Only God knows for sure. Well take it one day at a time.

We talked a little longer, then Mim said something Ill remember forever. When I asked the doctor what I could do in the meantime, he told me to pray. I told him I knew just who to ask: my daughter-in-law. I was humbled at the opportunity God had given me.

Can I pray with you now? I asked through the phone.

Please, she said. That would be nice.

That was the beginning of many gentle moments that God watered with grace and tears. We visited often and even started praying with Mim. Each time I took a risk and stepped out in faith. Little by little I was able to talk to her about Gods love for us and His desire to have a relationship with us. We talked about forgiveness and how our Lord would be waiting for her when her time came, and then we prayed some more.

Mims journey to faith didnt come with lightning bolts and peals of thunder, but with our Lords gentle rain quenching her spiritual thirst. In Gods time, Mim learned to appreciate the greatest Gift of all.

When our Lord took Mim home, we celebrated her life with joy, knowing that she had come full circle in His saving grace. We realized God had answered prayer, amid the long but rewarding process of sharing Him with Mim.

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig is a writer, teacher, speaker, wife and mother living in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.