When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

~Proverbs 31:26 NLT

One by one, they trickled in—two kids, two in-laws, and seven loud and hungry grandsons–all coming to see their Bonus Mom.

My wife is a “step,” or, as some call it, a bonus mom. But no one would ever know it, and one Mother’s Day proved it. She invited the entire crew to our home the day before Mother’s Day to celebrate. Counting her mom, who lives with us, this brought fourteen people to our moderately-sized home. Fortunately, we have a large backyard, but this didn’t help much that day because it rained most of the day. Thank goodness for the carport and tech gadgets.

Our son and his family arrived first. He helped me repair a contrary gate and load Mom’s recliner up to take to the skilled nursing care facility, where she was living. Our daughter and her family arrived later. They were busy with their hobby farm and needed a little extra weekend time.

Meme busied herself putting the final touches on the dinner meal and making sweets. (No trip to Meme’s is complete without everything we shouldn’t eat.) No wonder the grandboys bounce off the walls. Fortunately, we can send them home for their parents to handle.

Meme lined the tray with various meats: pork chops, country ham, Polish sausage, and chicken breasts. Our son prepared the grill, cleaned the grill, and then carefully grilled each type of meat separately. I thought my wife had prepared too much meat, but she said not. And, of course, she was right. In short order, my son and son-in-law returned to the grill and prepared more. After all, we were mainly feeding boys, all of whom had a healthy appetite.

She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

~Proverbs 31:15 NLT

When everyone finished consuming the main dish, they headed for the dessert. No meal is complete at the Bonus Mom’s house without several types of dessert, most filled with sugar. After all was said and done, we sat around to talk and catch up while most of the boys headed outside—the rain had diminished to a moderate sprinkle—to do what boys do.

Proverbs 31 describes a wise woman, who is often a wise wife and mom. Bonus Moms fall into this mix. Like any good mother, the best thing they can do for their children and grandchildren is to show them how a relationship with Christ should look. One where God holds the most important position. One where she loves others unconditionally, as God loves us. Additionally, she expresses it through practical actions to her children, grandchildren, and others.

A good spiritual reputation takes a lifetime to build, but a Bonus Mom—and any mom—can do it with God’s help. And her children and grandchildren will never forget it.

Commit to being a Proverbs 31 woman. You will never regret it.

Father, no matter who I am, help me to reflect your love to others.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Bonus Mom: Martin Wiles: All Rights Reserved