My sweet allergy boy got scared last night. He was visiting a church's VBS (one that is nut and gluten free) when someone working in the kitchen said something to him about the gummy fish having eggs in them.
Before someone freaks out, they don't have eggs in them, but are made on shared equipment. Unfortunately, Owen's nerves got the best of him, and he called me almost in tears to tell me he was sick to his tummy and was scared that he had eaten eggs. The chances of that having eggs is actually much lower than he can understand for his age, but for my 7 year old, it was real and frightening.
I was able to calm him and help him to remain at VBS for the remainder of the 45 minutes left, but even when I got there to get him, I could see the trepidation on his face. I went into the kitchen and requested to see the bag and had a discussion with the sweet lady who told him there were eggs in there. I just explained to her that telling him was a bad thing because of his anxiety but letting me know was the right thing to do. I really do wish they hadn't told him, but he needs to understand that even at a safe place he always has to be mindful of his foods.
I could tell she was upset about freaking him out, but I didn't really know how to console her. I was frustrated with her, but trying not to show that. I reflected back on the moment this morning during my time of devotions and am confident that my frustration did not overshadow my Christianity.
In Ephesians 4:1-2, it says:
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,
entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you
have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
showing forbearance to one another in love
I hope that is the Christian I showed last night in my efforts to ensure Owen would be safe the remainder of the week and my patience in the task God has placed before me. I have been blessed with the ability of word to speak to others and explain to them life with a deadly food allergy. I have been blessed by God to have my sweet Owen and to still share his wonderfulness with the very world that is dangerous to him. I pray today that my actions and my daily walk show love to others despite what might be happening.
