Nine months later, I went to the first session of our Women's Bible Study at church. And, as we each went around and introduced ourselves, there was a beautiful woman across the circle from me who introduced herself and shared that she was married, but did not yet have any children.
God touched my heart to pray for Melissa ~ I could sense her desire for children and I wanted to ask God to bring a child into their family.
Not long after that, I wrote her a note to let her know I was praying. But, the next time I saw her, I was suddenly too shy to give it to her. We'd only "met" once in a group and would she even understand who this note was from?
We were both invited to a stamp party where I learned she used to live in Colorado Springs and near St. Louis - two places that are familiar in my life! So, after that I mailed her card.
Then, we were assigned as prayer partners at one of our next Bible Study mornings and over the next weeks and months have truly become dear friends! She is a kindred spirit! And, look how God answered my prayer for a friend!
But, I continued to pray earnestly for a baby to join their family. At some point this spring, God placed it on my heart to pray that the next time I was pregnant, she would be too. At first I wondered if it was ok to ask for this! And, I would never want to detract from any of her happiness at walking through pregnancy.
But, I did pray. There were opportunities for discouragement and even doubt in these prayers. However, I kept at it and prayed, "Lord, let YOUR will be done. Let all of this bring YOU glory."
A few days before we went to Colorado ~ we confirmed that WE were expecting our 3rd baby! Half of my prayer was answered - but I didn't know how God would choose to answer the other half. I thought, "Ok, Lord ~ there are nine months ahead for both of us to be pregnant at the same time!"
But, I was also struggling just a little to tell my sweet friend. Oh, I knew she would be so happy for me and genuinely rejoice ~ but I wanted HER to have a baby too!
Two weeks later, on the 4th of July ~ Melissa called my Mom's house to tell me that they are expecting as well! I screamed! I cried! We prayed and thanked God - I was so full that day. Oh Lord - increase my faith and forgive me for my moments of doubt!
So, we are now both expecting. I am due February 19th and she is due March 9th! We will indeed experience the entire pregnancy together!
I share this now to give God all praise, honor and glory ~ for He alone has accomplished this.
After my Mother's Day post - I was keenly aware how many of you share these desires for a baby to join your family. I am praying for you.
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." ~ Psalm 27:14