Lesson in Trust

My 11-year-old son, Justin, has been having sporadic stomach issues over the last several weeks and it has caused some concern for us. I had been meaning to make a doctor's appointment, but the month of May is such a busy month. Finally, on Monday, June 1st, he wasn't feeling well or eating and I kept him out of school and made an appointment. Not surprising the doctor ordered some blood work to be done so they could check a couple of things.
Apparently, Justin doesn't remember ever having a blood test. I felt lucky that the lab was in the same building as the doctor's office and the tech was free when we walked over to her. Justin started to ask me a lot of questions about blood tests. Are they like shots? How much does it hurt? Did I remember the last time he got a blood test? (Time to be authentic with all of you...I am a scaredy cat when it comes to blood tests and needles. Yes, I gave birth naturally to three children, but somehow that does not stop my hands from sweating at the thought of a needle and blood test. It is a true phobia of mine that I have yet to conquer.) So, here I am putting on a brave face in the office with Justin and telling him it will be ok and that it really doesn't hurt. All honest things to say because I know that it really doesn't hurt, what I struggle with is the whole idea. On top of that, we have Danielle, my lively 2 1/2 year old, with us too. She was excited about the visit. She sat down in the chair right next to Justin and was ready to watch it all. Rosie, the BEST lab tech ever, found a vein and had the needle prepped. She told Justin to be sure he kept his arm still, when it happened.
He pulled his arm away and said no he was not going to get a blood test today. No way, no how. Now, I know how the fear can eat at you and start to control you, and I told him in my best mom-is-the-boss voice that he was getting a blood test done and to put his arm back out right now. No, was his reply. Then came the shaky voice, the uncertain look on his face, and the watery eyes. Moments like this in my life remind me that mothering can be one of the hardest jobs ever. In moments like this, I truly believe that if I had to apply for the position and prove that I am prepared for any and all situations, that I would be found very wanting. He was adament in his refusal. I tried compassion. I told him that it would be a pinch, but that it would be over quickly and he would feel so much better. I started to pray. Danielle then joined in on the crying. Yes, her little adventure to the doctor's office was now souring and she was ready to leave. She ran for the door. Rosie went and got a nurse from the doctor's office. In between controlling Danielle and trying to give Justin a lesson in trusting mom and God, I was at the end of my rope. Keeping in mind that I do have this phobia, I know the fear, and I was quite clear that I would not let Justin leave the building without getting the test done. I told him that we could not let the fear win. In desperation, I called my mom. Imagine how relieved I was when she answered the phone and then told me she was with her prayer group and they would all pray for Justin. She also spoke to him and tried to convince him to cooperate.
So, two hours, YES, two hours later, I was ready to waffle. Originally, I told him we would not leave, but now it is close to 2 pm and none of us had eaten since breakfast. Justin was crying and shaking and very emotional for most of the time. Danielle was crying and occasionally trying to escape the office. I said a prayer and I gave up. (Guess what, I can't do this, but I can give it to God...)
A rather shocking turn of events for Justin. I told him I was done that Danielle and I were hungry and ready to go home to eat lunch. I also informed him that if he did not get a blood test TODAY that he would lose all computer and video game privileges for a month. (Yes, it is rather extreme, but I was concerned that he was allowing his fear of the unknown to win. He wasn't trusting me or God.) Actually, as I said it I wondered why I hadn't just done that earlier. Now, he doesn't want to leave the office, but he also doesn't want to get the blood test. Finally, we reached a consensus. We would go get lunch and he could calm down and we could come back to the lab and he would get the blood test.
We went and ate lunch and drove back to the lab. I told him that this opportunity was his last chance to get the blood test. I really didn't want him to go home and have to think about it all night. We went in and the nurse came over again to assist Rosie. Justin asked me to come into the room with him. While we were at lunch I told him that he should try to think about what he will be doing after the blood test is over. It even helps if you sing a song in your head to distract yourself. He asked me to sing him a song. Ok, so I am the only one in our family that doesn't sing in key. Now he wanted me to sing in front of him and others without music. Wonderful! The Children's Choir at church (Justin is a member) had recently sung the song "I am a Promise" and that was the first song that came to my mind. I sang it through once and he was done! Alleluiah! Rosie asked him if it was as bad as he thought it was going to be and, of course, he says no. (though I am sure my singing was as bad as I think it was!LOL!)
Recently, I had a friend recommend getting Steve Green's cd "Hide 'em in your Heart". Basically, he takes a Bible verse and turns it into a catchy tune with the help of kids. We had been listening to it in the car. On the way home, I found #5 on the cd titled "When I am Afraid" based on Psalm 56:3-4. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust: I will not be afraid.
I encouraged Justin as we drove home that the next time he is afraid that he should turn to God and trust him.
This story doesn't really fit into that neat box with the pretty bow on top. I am sure there will be other times when Justin is afraid. It is my hope and my prayer that my son will remember this experience and remember that I may not be there to sing him a song, but God's word is there for him. God is always there with him and can be trusted.

I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Christy