update on preston loyd

many of you may remember urgent prayer requests for preston loyd, the 4-year-old who was critcally injured in a lawnmower accident in april 2009.
here's an update from his dad, ashton:

Monday, January 25, 2010 7:17 AM, EST

James 1: 2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

I think if we had a choice, we would prefer our faith not be tested. We would much rather say, “Okay God, I am living a pretty good life. I go to church when the doors open. I try to be a good example to those around me. I just try to live my life and do what’s right.” He allows temptations that we must resist. He also allows trials in our way. These we must overcome through the grace of God. The overcoming of these trials produces this perseverance spoken of by James in his opening chapter. Another interesting item: We have so much more perseverance and strength than we can ever realize. Think of the tragedies we read about every day. With each of those tragedies, there is a suffering family. We, as humans, are built to adapt and overcome…God made us that way.

Now, the trial our family has endured is maybe a bit more exaggerated than some. There are more pieces to work through, but the navigating has produced perseverance. Every time I watch Preston, I see his perseverance and it inspires me. When I am down, all I need to do is spend a moment with him to see the true meaning of perseverance. He is such a light.

Many of you have reached out for an update. I have many good intentions of setting a regular time to post, but between home and job, it is difficult. Thanks to each of you for continuing in prayer, because even though the frequency of updates has lessened, our need for prayer has not. We are not at the end of our journey of perfect healing.

Preston continues to make improvements in all areas. Physically, he is miraculous. He runs around and plays like a normal 5 year old. All of his injuries are healing well ahead of any prognosis. Also, his vision continues a slow improvement. I was thinking the other evening as he played alone in his playroom that life and home are slowly but surely returning to normal.

I would ask that you continue in prayer for Preston. We only have one surgery left in the spring. Pray that God will prepare Preston’s body and the surgeon’s hands.

I do thank all of you for your continued support of prayer and outreach. I welcome the calls and emails.

In closing, I want to encourage each of you to persevere through whatever trials you may be facing. We don’t always see how God is working, but He is. Trust in Him and you will persevere.

In His Arms and persevering,
Ashton