“Go Green Machines! Go Green Machines!! Go Green Machines!!!…” So was the chant as families and supporters celebrated the victory of Ofu’s Green Machines soccer team, a match in which he scored a hat-trick.

However, he comes over unexcitedly with dropped shoulders and said, “everyone’s grandparents are here but mine are far away.” It was so touching that initially, I had no comfort words to offer, especially that it was so unexpected at a time he should be ecstatic about his victory! I quickly mustered my thoughts, hugged him, and gently said “it’s going to be ok, we’ll call them, and you’ll tell them that your team won, that you scored three goals, and that you wish they were here. They’ll be very happy, and proud of you. Now join your friends and celebrate your win.” He smiled and ran back to the pitch, and joined his teammates in the victory party.

As he went, I thought what a profound declaration of his value. As I began to peel back his statement, it revealed some insights. First, I recalled as King Solomon in his futile search for the meaning of life in fame, wealth, knowledge, sex etc. declared:

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanities!

Ecclesiastes 1:1

I imagined that Ofu seemed to have said “So what daddy? If I have all the success and fame but I can’t share it with others, or my relationships suffer, then of what value are they?” No wonder, Papa is so convinced that he’s a very kind boy. Ofu always supported his aging grandfather’s unsteady gait, whenever Papa visited. The lesson for me is the reiteration of the notion that there has to be a bigger purpose of our personal successes!

Secondly, I thought sadly, “son, that’s a price of being the child of a first generation immigrant.” However, it birthed a new dimension to my vision for long life – to be there to cheer his children, my grandchildren at their events when the time comes. So I latched on even more to the following promises:

May you live to see your children’s children— peace be on Israel (Joseph).

Psalm 128: 6.

Look as far as you can see in every direction…I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession.

Genesis 13:14-15.

So continue to help us, God. Amen.

Finally, I prayed, son you have chosen the better part, and it shall not be taken from you. May God help you to focus on what is really important in life. Amen.

Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.

Luke 10: 41-42.

• March 3, 2018