How Fortune Cookies Sparked Meaningful Conversations

In a culture facing a relational recession, small moments matter more than ever. Every week, Bill sits down with his group of second‑grade boys for lunch. Recently, the boys discovered that the little slips of paper inside their occasional fortune cookies are actually a fun way to practice thinking deeply. Last week’s message said: “Every journey starts with a single step.” What started as a silly lunchtime moment turned into a whole conversation.

These second graders began talking about what the phrase meant, how it connects to their own lives, and why small beginnings matter. It became a powerful teaching moment — and one of the highlights of their mentoring sessions. This is what happens when caring adults show up consistently: kids start thinking deeper, they start opening up., they start growing. Connection doesn’t require something big — just someone willing to take the first step.