While reading an article in a cooking magazine, my son Jacob was inspired to launch "Taco Tuesdays." With our permission, he offered a standing invitation to his (mostly neighborhood) friends: Come over for a taco dinner every week. Because the meal was always at the same time and place, his busy friends could join us whenever their schedules allowed — no RSVP required. And since tacos are simple to make, Jacob could prepare them himself.
We saw this as an opportunity for our son to learn hospitality, and as parents, we enjoyed getting to know his friends better. These low-key encounters also offered a way for the parents in the neighborhood to learn each other's names and become better acquainted.
Soon the kids who were coming over on Tuesdays brought their own side dishes or desserts to share. And Jacob led the group of tweens in a simple prayer of thanks for every meal — a small but consistent witness of his faith.
This article first appeared in the August/September 2011 issue of Thriving Family magazine and was originally titled "Taco Tuesdays." Copyright © 2011 by Alexandra Lutz. Used by permission. ThrivingFamily.com.
~ See more articles for parents of tweens. ~