I always liked the story told about the great preacher Charles Spurgeon. Charles was raised on a farm. When he was a young teen, he was behind the family barn on day sneaking a cigarette. His dad surprised him, by coming up upon him
Charles attempted to diffuse the situation by using an approach all youth use when dealing with adults- misdirection. Charles said to his fuming father, “Pops, the circus is in town. Do ya think we can go?”
His father, with a look like he had a rabbit is in his gun sight, said, “Son, don’t ask your old man for something with a smoldering disobedience in your hand.” If you want to go to the circus, drop the smoldering disobedience. If you want to see God, confess your sins, be humble before God.