First, I’m sorry I missed last week (you didn’t notice, did you? XD I know how blog-reading works.) (Okay, if you did notice without my prompting though, send me a message and I’ll send you something free 😉 ), I promise I have good (ish) excuses. However, today we have an awesome, thought-provoking guest post from Courtney Peetz about food allergies.
As the weather dips to cooler temperatures, the world around us fills with anticipation and excitement. Trees turn shades of orange, yellow and red before silently dropping their leaves to the ground where children play. Decorations of pumpkins, hay and scarecrows adorn the porches of homes. Stores stock up on seasonal specials of pumpkin-spiced everything from coffee to crackers. It won’t be long now until we’ll look up to find ourselves at Thanksgiving Day!
Even with all the excitement of this season, for spoonies this season can be hard to swallow. For many reasons it can be hard for us to fit in, relax and really enjoy ourselves. But perhaps more than anything else, dietary restrictions can really make it tough. When the family takes a trip to the farm, we have to bring our own food. While we gather with friends around a bonfire, we feel left out because we have to skip the s’mores.
Not being able to join in the fun and not being free to indulge in the treats like everyone else can leave us feeling sour during this season. Food, friends and family are key ingredients for every holiday, so when it seems that you can’t fully enjoy either because of your illness, it can sometimes be too much to bear.
I have to avoid quite a few foods because of my health issues, and have for years. So you’d think that by now I would have gotten over it. And in truth, it really doesn’t bother me all that much. But when the holidays roll around, and sweets seem to flow like water, it takes a whole lot more resolution to resist the temptation.
It’s in those moments that I have to remind myself that God is using everything, even this, for my good. As crazy as it may sound, I’m thankful for my allergies. Yes, you read that right. Throughout the years, I have come to regard my health issues as a blessing in disguise. Without them, I’d simply not be the same.
For one thing, if I didn’t have to avoid foods because of health issues I’d probably not pay any attention to what I ate, and would just eat whatever was in front of me (as long as it looked and smelled good). Without a reason to say no, I probably wouldn’t get a chance to practice being firm. What might happen if one of my friends offered me drugs? That’s one reason to be thankful for allergies, they’re drug resistance training!
In all seriousness though, learning self-control and being able to resist temptation or peer pressure is a huge benefit of having allergies.
While most kids your age never have to worry about avoiding foods that would leave you stuck in bed for days afterwards, neither do they tend to have very strong character.
It may take much longer for God to grow good character in them. They simply don’t get to learn the same lessons that you are.
So often we look at our restrictions through the lens of discontentment. We live in a culture that believes that life revolves around me, me, me, and we’re constantly asking for more. Our sin nature always reaches for something that’s not ours and often fails to recognize, or even sneers at the blessings that God has so graciously provided.
Allergies are one of those blessings. We tend to think of them with disgust, but maybe that’s because they are exactly what we need. Medicine is often bitter, but it kills the bad guys. In a similar way, our flesh is repulsed by allergies because they force us to be content and self-controlled. In the words of Francesca Battistelli in her song This is the Stuff,
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that’s getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I’m blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I’ve gotta trust You know exactly what You’re doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
When you have dietary restrictions, the choice between being content with what you have or being grumpy about what you don’t is crystal clear. But once you realize that God has your good in mind and that He’ll never leave you and He’ll always provide what you need, you will be able to be content in any situation, with or without tasty food. Now that’s a treasure very few people possess!
I believe that dietary restrictions are a unique tool that God uses to teach us important lessons, strengthen our character and ultimately draw us closer to Him. As you head into this thanksgiving season, why don’t you try to appreciate the hidden blessings in your life? It’s not always easy, but when you count every blessing it makes it much easier to be happy, sweets or no sweets.
“In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:12b-13 (ESV)
Sure does make you think. I hope you enjoyed Courtney’s post on food allergies and why we should be thankful for them.
Courtney Peetz
Guest Writer
Courtney Peetz is a 16-year-old girl who is trying to follow Jesus with all her heart. When she is not doing school, you can find her reading, writing, thinking, cooking, or taking pictures with her camera. She writes for American Christian Beliefs Political Army of Kids, The Rebelution, and Counter Culture Mom, as well as working on far too many books at once. As a Christian author, she wants to introduce people to Jesus in the special way that only can be accomplished through writing.