A strange and unusual result happened with Blaze being sick most of last week. I can now play the Avengers game on the X-Box with him. For this mom, who did not grow up playing video games (although her older brother occasionally put her name for the high score on arcades across town), this was quite an accomplishment.
Blaze enjoys playing, but tires on certain parts of it. He can't read yet, so isn't sure sometimes of his mission or what is supposed to happen next. His thumb isn't quick enough to hit the "X" button rapidly enough to get the desired results. That's when I began to help.
This process happened gradually, and with some reluctance on my part. I don't want to learn to play an X-Box game, I have other things to do! But my child's coughing and begging pleas for help, overcame my hesitance.
I must say I've learned a lot. Not just with the game, but by watching Blaze. He's a quick learner, has a bit of an impatient streak (that I can totally relate to, unfortunately) and he's an amazing teacher. If I tell him I don't understand, he demonstrates what to do with the controller, then gives me a chance to try it. He explains it to the best of his ability. I had no idea my son was a natural teacher until this week. He likes to try new ways of doing things, and we've both learned a lot as a result. He does narratives and sincerely likes to show off his skills. "See? That worked! I told you it could work!" is a phrase I just heard. I've always known he was funny, but it comes out in a different way while he's playing the game through various commentaries.
I also learned my little boy is growing up. He's a fast learner and his adapting his skills. He is physically growing taller, but he's maturing, too. I can see the reasoning skills developing, and while it makes me a bit sad and yearn for the baby days, I'm so proud of the kid he's growing into.
His prayers this week have been adapting, as well. He's been thanking God for the little things, like peanuts and thanking Him for being able to crush up the shells to asking God to keep our dog from being lonely while we're gone.
Our relationship has grown. When I'm asked to help out with the game, I realize I can stop what I'm doing for a few minutes to help him out. "Sure, I'll be your partner," I recently responded. "Oh, Mom, you're my best friend" was his answer. I'm going to completely overlook the fact he often switches best friends and just soak it up.
We're learning together. We are both still learning this game and have yet to actually make it past the third level. While we're improving on it, we're "defeated" every time, much to our frustration and disappointment. We lament that fact together. Even in that, it's been funny to watch.
I think this week has been a beautiful insight into our need for others. I am so thankful for our family and friends who have been on this journey with us, those who are there when I call out for help. We are so very grateful for the many times you have come in beside us to uplift and encourage us. Thank you! We are so blessed to have you in our lives. We, as a family, have been growing and learning a lot, we're still struggling in areas. Please continue to pray for our family and the journey we are on together. Again, we say thanks...
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Oh, and if anyone out there wants to give us some tips on how to defeat that level, Blaze and I would love to hear them! : )
