No Pain No Gain- The Josh Update

Walking at UAMS

We all have tasted pain at some point in time. Whether it was physical, spiritual, mental, or emotional. It doesn't taste good. In fact, our cultural trains us to avoid it at all cost. But is that really the best idea? Is that the right response? Is it even possible to avoid pain? We have learned that the answer to all these questions is NO! There is just no such thing as a pain free life.

The real question is how we choose to respond. Cursing our situation and wallowing in self-pity produces no positive outcomes. We sometimes try to put the blame on our circumstance, on others, and very often we end up blaming God. It is almost as if we say, "if God were real my life would be perfect, I would be King, and all that I desire would be mine." But the If/Only arguments only lead to despair.

I want to offer a different response and I do so confessing I still have not "laid hold" of it. My good friend, Skeet Tingle and I talk frequently about the things the Lord is teaching us, especially through Josh's circumstance. In one recent conversation he shared a phrase that resonated loud and clear with me, "Befriend Discomfort." Day in and day out I watch Josh find a way to Befriend Discomfort. He does not complain. He does not feel sorry for himself. He gets up each and everyday at the mercy of his condition. And he makes the choice to find purpose, hope, and joy.

What is the cause of pain in your life? How have you responded? Pain will either make you "bitter or better." I encourage you to wrestle with what it means to live radically and Befriend Discomfort. Our family will tell you that as much as we wish this had never happen to Josh or to us, our lives are so much richer, we love so much deeper, and we are learning to lean into life's pains and enjoy the unexpected blessings they can bring. As Paul the apostle wrote, "consider it all Joy when you encounter various trials."

No pain no gain as they say!

Updates on Josh:

• Josh received a new chair a couple of weeks ago. This one has the potential to allow him more control over functions which has been made possible because the gains in his arms!

• Josh had a great time with the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah this Winter. He snow skied three days!

• BIG BIG development! Josh's speech therapists have worked so hard to help Josh get his voice back. Josh is now at a place where he is able to manipulate his tongue and lips to form words and is slowly becoming audible. The other morning he was able to tell me to wipe "my left eye." We are so grateful!

• Josh and I will be Kelly's cheer squad and pit crew for her first gravel century ride in May. That's 100 miles on dirt backroads!

• In August Josh and I will return to the National Ability Center to participate in the Summit Challenge Century Ride. It is our 5 or 6th time. But this year Kelly will join us so we can also celebrate of 40th wedding anniversary together!

• Many of you know that Josh and I are involved with a great organization called Ozark Adaptive Sports Association. OZASA serves folks with all kinds of different abilities. We invite you to join us in support of OZASA on NWA Gives Day. Ozark Adaptive Sports Association (OZASA) | NWA Gives

Thank you all for following us on this journey. Thanks especially for your prayers and your support. We are grateful for you!

All In For Josh

Mike and the Family