The Screen Dilemma – Finding Balance 2

A Wake-Up Call

That night, after everyone had gone to bed, Ada walked into Daniel’s room.

To her dismay, he was still wide awake, his tablet glowing in the darkness.

“Daniel, it’s bedtime,” she said, sitting beside him.

“Just five more minutes, Mum. I’m almost at the next level,” he mumbled, barely looking up.

She sighed. “Alright. But before you continue, can you lead us in a short prayer?”

Daniel hesitated, looking up at her for the first time. “Me?”

“Yes, you,” Ada encouraged.

He slowly set the tablet down and started, “Dear God… thank You for… um…” He scratched his head, struggling to find the words. After a long pause, he finished weakly, “Thank You for… today. Amen.”

Ada’s heart sank.

This was the same boy who, just a year ago, had eagerly prayed every night, thanking God for his family, school, and friends. Now, it seemed like prayer was just an afterthought—something unfamiliar, something he no longer knew how to do.

“Daniel, do you still pray on your own?” she asked gently.

He shrugged. “I do… sometimes. But, you know, I get busy with school, and when I’m done with homework, I just play games or watch YouTube until I fall asleep.”

Ada suddenly felt a deep conviction in her heart.

Her son wasn’t just busy. He was distracted.

She kissed his forehead and whispered, “Goodnight, sweetheart.” But in her heart, she knew—things had to change.

(to be continued)