Building Community in an Unexpected Place

“Welcome to Moe’s!” shout the employees in unison from behind the counter as hungry customers enter on kids’ night. On a typical week we join six or more families for food, fun, and fellowship in this restaurant where we’ve nurtured community in an unexpected place.

It began simply enough, as an occasional night out. With time, however, it has become an almost indispensable part of our routine: a place to gather with friends to talk sports, current events, and religion; discuss our kids’ classes; celebrate birthdays.

We love the food—and obviously the moms enjoy a night out of the kitchen—but it’s the fellowship that brings us back week after week. The kids take decks of cards; trade Silly Bandz; even play Frisbee or football outside when the weather’s warm. The employees make us feel welcome and appreciated even though we’re a large, sometimes noisy crowd that tends to stay until closing time (or beyond).

These evenings benefit us all, but I think the men profit the most. My husband spends his days at work and his weekends at home and church. Although the kids and I have day-to-day friends—families we spend time with at homeschool classes and events—my husband is rarely a part of it.

Moe’s nights bring the husbands together. They enjoy crowding around a table for guy talk as much as the women enjoy their time. Sometimes we just stop and listen to them, savoring the sounds of male camaraderie and strengthening friendships.

These weekly evenings at Moe’s are an important tradition for us. I encourage you to look for similar opportunities for your family.

Community is our theme for (in)courage’s second year. Have you or your family grown a community in an unexpected place?

31 Days of Encouragement | January Desktop Wallpaper Links

Please join me on my blog, My Home Sweet Home, during the month of January for a post series entitled 31 Days of Encouragement. My goal is to combine image and verse in a meaningful way.

You can always download the monthly (in)courage desktop wallpapers using the “Calendar” link in the navigation bar just below the blog header. Here are links to January’s wallpaper both with and without the calendar.

Small (1280 x 800 pixels): with calendar | without calendar

Large (1680 x 1050 pixels): with calendar | without calendar

By Dawn Camp, My Home Sweet Home