Ofu lost his privilege of playing Roblox several months ago as a consequence of displaying challenging behaviors whenever he lost a game or encountered a difficulty. He’s been made aware that he will only be allowed back to playing Roblox when he puts up acceptable behaviors even with a loss of a game or in difficult situations. However, he won’t back down with persuasions for permission to resume playing.

Sometimes, when I’m gone for a long time (working), and Sweetheart exhausts her tactics to curtail him, she’d refer him to me. This would keep him posted until I return. This morning, he came to me and said:

“Dad, why won’t you let me play Roblox anymore?

Me: “Because every time you don’t win a game or when it gets hard you get very upset and smash things.”

Ofu: “But I miss it so much. Can I play it?”

Me: “I don’t know about that until you stop getting so mad.”

Ofu: “Pllleeeaasssee!”

My brain was now spinning so fast to come up with a resolution. Then aha!!!! 😁💡!!!!

Me: “Well, we’ll have to talk to Jesus about it.”

Ofu: “Ok.” (Dully) and dragged himself away.

In my mind, I was ecstatic with victory thoughts 🕺🏾🕺🏾🕺🏾🕺🏾😊😊😊😊

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2: 10.

However, my excitement was short-lived as very quickly I heard a silent but thunderous voice say 📣:

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain!!!!!.

Exodus 20: 7.

Swiftly, my mind’s facial expression also changed from excitement to a regretful grimace like that of King Herod in the Jesus of Nazareth movie, in the scene where Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist. Did I just use God’s name in vain? “Noooo,” I thought to myself like King Herod. 😅😅😅

So instantly, I said to myself, “your mouth got you into this and your mouth must get you out of it.” Then I called Ofu back.

Me: “Common, let’s talk to Jesus about it together. Let’s pray.”

Ofu: He came running, “ok.”

I led him to the center table.

Me: “Let’s kneel down, fold our hands and close our eyes.”

Ofu: Quickly, he complied.

Leading him:

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of Holy Spirit.”

Response: “Amen.”

Me: “Father thank you for all the blessings that you give us, and thank you for Roblox. Please, will you let Ofu play Roblox again? When you do, please him to enjoy the game again so he doesn’t get mad when it’s difficult or if he loses a game. In Jesus name.”

Response: “Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Me: “So how do you feel?”

Ofu: “Good.”

Me: “Me too.” “Ok, let’s wait for what Jesus has to say. Go and do something else while we wait.”

Ofu: “Ok.” And Off he went.

I felt very relieved but a few moments into relishing my relief, he reappeared.

Ofu: “Dad, have you heard from Jesus yet?”

Me: “No, I haven’t. Have you?”

Ofu: “Yes!!!!” (Emphatically)

Me: “Really? How did you hear from Him?”

Ofu: “He spoke to me in my heart.”

Me: “So what did He say?”

Ofu: “He said yes!!!” (With even more emphasis, as if to say, “don’t you get it?”)

Of course, what else will He tell you, I thought.😂😂😂

Me: “Well, I have to hear from Him too. Right now, I need to get ready for work. Ok?”

Ofu: “Ok, dad.”

I couldn’t contain my laughter, so I hurried to my bathroom and had a good silent one, just as pursed-lip breathing relieves pain. 😅😅😅

So, I got ready, left for work and upon arrival, I shared the story with my colleague. We were still laughing and tearing 😂😂😂 when I received a call from home.

Me: “Hello.”

Ofu: “Dad, it’s me.”

Once I knew it was him, I placed my phone on speaker, knowing that it’s a follow-up call.

Me: “Hey, My Special One! How are you?”

Ofu: “Good. Dad, have you heard from Jesus yet?”

Me: “I still haven’t heard from Him, but I know I will hear from Him. Let’s be patient. Ok?”

Ofu: “Ok dad.”

Me: “I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”

Ofu: “Love you too, dad.”

Me: “Bye.”

Ofu: “Bye.”

My colleague and I sure did have another good laugh. 😂😂😂

Beyond the humor, this is the first time we revisited the Roblox conversation with an amicable ending. That is good progress! He was so obsessed with Roblox, and the rage that resulted from his having trouble or experiencing a loss became a concern for our family. The encounter indicated that:

• he internalizes our family value for prayer
• we can pray about even the most insignificant matter
• God listens and acts when we pray.

I thought by referring his quest to Jesus, Ofu will be convicted and driven away by remorse thus allow me to escape a potential argument. However, I too was convicted and led him to actually pray about our concern. A teaching moment!

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11: 28.

• 11/18/18