Wednesday Were Pretty Normal

I just finished my copy of Michael's new book Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal. I've read it before. In fact, I've read it several times in multiple versions. First, as Michael shared some of his journal entries after several months of struggling to communicate about all that was going on in his heart. Then, as chapter to a book that he dreamed may become a reality, but even if it didn't that Joshua would be able to read his story through his father's eyes. Next, as chapters to a book with a publisher. That time, I was asked to read with a critical eye about details and wording. Finally, this week's copy of the book.

This time, Michael had given the copy to me, but I could not find the right time to sit and read it with the busyness of the 3 kids around me. Then, last night, I couldn't sleep. My mind was racing back to memories of years earlier. Maybe it was because Andi was up coughing, or maybe it was indeed, a leading of the Spirit. Either way, I found myself sitting upright on the couch with this book in hand. I didn't stop reading.

As I read, I found myself remembering each detail as if it were yesterday: the diagnosis, the pain of needles and meds for our 2 year old, the lonely days in the hospital, the endless hours of Joshua on steroids. But, for the first time reading it, I saw my husband. The pages of this book show Michael as a fearful child caring for a fearful family. It is full of real and unedited feelings. But the most amazing thing is to be able to wake up next to the man that God has faithfully changed through this experience.

Michael is a father that knows how to walk into our home and bring peace. He knows that each day is numbered and therefore worth treasuring with our kids and with me. At a time when Michael could have hid from all that the Lord desired to show him through Joshua's illness, instead, Michael found a way to press into the Father. He didn't skip any stage of what the Lord was showing to him. Wednesday Were Pretty Normal reveals each of these steps and encourages us all to walk each day in faith, knowing that Christ will meet us there.

I am thankful that Joshua's story is written in a way to show God's faithfulness through healing, through a generous community, and a loving father. Read this book and know that whatever may come we can remember that, "we are loved by a God who loves us enough to wrestle us for our faith, and that our limps and wounds remind us that He is, in any circumstance, ultimately, divinely, lovingly, abidingly able."