Taco Night

I was reminded recently at the memorial service of a long time family friend of mine Bob Swain, that we used to have taco nights when I was little. Our families would get together at each other's houses regularly and our dads would see who could eat the hottest peppers and sauces. Crying wasn't necessarily a sign of weakness, but it was a goal to be achieved. Hankies were used for their noses and their foreheads.

I remember hanging out in the houses of each of our friends and playing games with their kids and playing hide and seek outside. I remember that there were certain men that my dad was friends with that must have had permission to discipline me if my parents were not close enough to see me step out of line. Even into my teenage years, if those men spoke to me, I'd listen. Not out of fear, but respect. Those men helped shape me.

Recently, my parents were commended in front of me on how they raised me. Of course, my dad gave honor to God because he knew that like many others, they had no clue what they were doing most the time. (In their humble opinion)

But as I, a young parent, put these pieces together, I see a connection. God gave each parent the authority and responsibility to raise their own children. It is also natural for children to be drawn to other adults as mentors and influencers. As parents, we need to look around in our circles to see what kind of adults we are placing in front of our children as mentors. Are they living their lives in a manner you approve of? Are they hard workers? Are they wise? Do they seek wise counsel? Do they put others needs before their own? Do they look to God for those things? Or, are they selfish? Do they complain a lot? Are they always looking to get something for nothing?  Do they seek the easy way out?

Our kids are going to look to other adults for guidance throughout life. It is our responsibility to give them some solid options.