A wise and generous Father

Nathan is more alert and more communicative every day. We interacted with him, on and off, for almost three hours after today's surgery on his ankle. He speaks just a few words at a time, and they are not easily understood, but his comments make perfect sense, given his perspective on his situation. (For example, he's not all that clear on why he's in the hospital, so he wants to leave immediately. Yesterday I thought that was silly, but today do I realize that it makes good sense. Because he's not clear on the extent of his injuries, he just wants to be someplace more pleasant.)

Nathan has both oxygen and feeding tubes in his nose, and he hates the latter. It bothers him incessantly and he repeatedly tries to yank it out whenever we remove the restraints on his arms. But we were surprised and delighted to hear him say of the tubes "It's the right one" that bothers him. (That tells us that he is able to distinguish right and left...and to say as much!) "It really hurts," he said. But when the nurse very kindly "got in his face" to ask if it was really more irritating than painful, he nodded "yes." And when she explained that, as unpleasant as it is, he has to live with it for now, he settled down (for a while). He's trying to cooperate--when he can remember what's going on. :)

One more example of our interaction, and the way it is both encouraging and frustrating for all of us: I heard Nathan say "Bed back." I quickly assured him that I'd tell the nurses that he had some problem with his back that was bothering him. That got him all the more frustrated. "Bed back," he kept repeating. I finally figured out that he wanted us to adjust the hospital bed--to put the bed "back." (The nurses had him sitting up, and he wanted to sleep.) As soon as we adjusted the bed, he relaxed.

As few as are Nathan's words, and as difficult as it is to understand his speech, I am reminded once again of Psalm 27:8: "My heart has heard you (Lord) say, '...Talk with me.'" What a joy it is to have those we love tell us what they want and how we can help them. That is exactly what our Father in heaven wants us to do. If he doesn't give us exactly what we ask for, as soon as we ask, it is not because he doesn't want what's best for us, but precisely because he does want what's best for us!

"Keep on asking," he says, "and you will be given what you ask for.... For everyone who asks, receives....." (if, in fact, what you are asking for will help you rather than harm you). You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! (If your child is in the intensive-care unit and asks you to remove his feeding or oxygen tubes, or to take him out of the hospital right now, do you do so? Of course not! But will you adjust the bed to make him more comfortable? Absolutely!) If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:7-11)

Hannah and I are unspeakably grateful for the good gifts our Father has been giving Nathan. And for the gift he is giving us. He is giving us our son back...by stages. Nathan's name (in Hebrew) means "he gave." We chose that name because Nathan is a gift from God. And now God is giving him to us a second time.

Our Father is both wise and generous. So "keep on asking" (for example, that Nathan will be granted the courage to keep on when the going is very tough).