In prison

Karl is feeling somewhat better today and this evening, but he’s still having some pain. They put the NG (Nasal-Gastric) tube back in which gave him some relief. Early this morning the doctor told him he thought it would be best to perform this procedure rather than wait for it to work itself out. So, late in the morning they gave him some ativan to relax him a bit and put the tube in place. Next they X-rayed him (no drop this time!!!) and found the tube to be about an inch-and-a-half short of its target. They adjusted it and began pumping some of the pooled fluid immediately. That made him feel better. But the kink and the pain are both still lingering. Doctors have assured us this will remedy itself in a few days. However, having Karl in pain and seeing that he’s not progressing like he was before is causing him (and us) some understandable anxiety.

Worry and anxiety have been troublesome, yet natural emotions for Karl and, I imagine, the rest of us throughout this ordeal. When the apostle Paul was in prison in Rome as a persecuted Christian, he wrote a letter to the Philippians and addressed those emotions. Paul wrote in Chapter 4, Verses 6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Here Paul sits – in a prison. Unable to move from the chains that bind him to the miserable conditions to which he is undoubtedly subjected. I imagine that’s much like Karl is feeling – only Karl may have it a bit worse. He is bound to his bed, unable to move other than his upper body to beckon the nurse when the alarms on his IVs sound or when he’s thirsty or in pain. It must be horrible for Karl. And the thought of another surgery lingers constantly in the back of his mind.

We can learn from Paul’s letter and pray for Karl to feel the same joy Paul expressed to the Philippians because of his relationship with God and Christ Jesus. The concept of rejoicing or joy appears 16 times in his missive and concludes with, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (4:4)

This is but a bump on Karl’s climb to the top of the hill. I’m absolutely confident in that. But Karl sure needs help and reassurance right now. Tonight and in the coming days I’ll be praying for his continued healing. I’ll also ask for Karl to receive God’s peace, knowing that He is good and will always protect Karl as well as you and I. And for that, we can all rejoice.

Blessings,

Kerry