The movie Monster-in-Law exaggerates a woman’s struggle with her future mother-in-law to a point that (hopefully) bears little resemblance to real life. Whether your mother-in-law showers you with cake or dreams of doing you harm, you can learn a valuable lesson from Ruth, Naomi, and Orpah. Ruth and Naomi’s strong love sets a high standard for mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships. Naomi was heartbroken after the death of her husband and sons. Even Naomi called herself bitter. Yet Ruth, the “good daughter,” stayed and persevered under hardship.In the end, both women were greatly rewarded. Orpah also deeply loved Ruth and Naomi. In Ruth 1:14, she wept aloud at the thought of leaving them, but she ultimately made the choice that was best for her. We don’t know God’s plan for her, but staying together out of obligation could have turned a difficult situation into a disastrous one. Can you imagine walking from Moab to Bethlehem with a bitter widow, no showers, and no Holiday Inns? Setting healthy boundaries doesn’t need to contradict God’s plan for you. Are you doing for others out of obligation or giving cheerfully? Sometimes, God leads you to say “No.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…and He shall direct your paths.” If God says, “Go,” you should go, but if He says, “No,” that’s ok too.