Moving Beyond My Comfort Zone

I was scheduled to be moved. This prison housed me for over a decade. It was a place of personal growth. My future is uncertain. Will the work God did in me here continue in the next place?

One of the realities of being a lifer in prison is the inevitable change of residence. It happens to all of us. No one is allowed to do all their time in a single institution. Those who program have their security designations changed. The restrictions on our housing are lowered as we progress. Unfortunately it is not necessarily a good thing for the inmate. Sometimes lower security institutions are worse places in which to live. They were designed for short term habitation.

It will be a challenge to adjust to new surroundings. Especially after living here for over ten years. I will leave behind many friends. The officials hinder contact between prisons. I will never hear from many of my comrades again. Some of them were instrumental in the changes that I went through.

The inmates around me were only a part of the equation that encouraged my transformation while living here. I took part in various activities that fostered positive changes. These opportunities included counseling, education, physical therapy, employment and recreational pastimes. The key to taking advantage of them was the closeness I experienced with God. Our relationship blossomed during the time I spent in this prison.

I am uncertain what my next prison will be like. I requested a particular place. I had to give an alternative choice. I know a little about my first pick and nothing about the second one. I do know that a dorm probably waits for me. I have no experience living in such an environment. I can only wait for and pray over what is to come. My relationship with God is my anchor in this turmoil. I am calmer than I anticipated at this point in the process.

God transformed my life in so many ways since I arrived here. The spiritual, mental and emotional growth had an impact on my whole outlook on life. I hope and pray these changes are deep enough to withstand what lies ahead. I want to move forward. I want to reach higher peaks of maturity in Christ. I want to know and serve my creator better than I do now.

I endeavor to continue to blog. I wish to share my experience as I adjust to a new prison. I hope my observations and insights will be entertaining as well as informative. The challenges and rewards waiting for me should provide much about which to write. The change is exciting. God will reveal more of Himself in the process. I look forward to proclaiming His greatness. I anticipate the work He will do in and through me.

Patrick Rathsack T-45624