Finding Hope in The Gap

Have I posted about work before? I don't' think so... Honestly, I could go on and on about the people I encounter on a daily basis at work, but I'll save it for now...I'm certain it would make a best seller one day.

Almost a year ago, I decided to get a part-time job at The Gap. Over a matter of about four months, they asked me to be a part-time manager. The "customer experience expert", if you will. I was reluctant at first, but I seriously love this job now!

Dealing with the public is never dull. You see everything and for the starring/people watching fanatic in me it's continual entertainment. For some reason, most people check their common sense at the door when they shop...and work there for that matter. :) Anyway, occasionally you find a glimmer of hope. This happened to me on Tuesday!

I was floating through the store and happened to be in baby. The sweetest mom was there and asking questions about clothes for her little boy. Eventually, the inevitable question came up, "so, how many kids do you have?" To which I sighed and replied, "none yet." She says, "Don't wait! Just dive in...you'll love it." Sighing again, I said, "well, we've been trying for a year and half now..." Normally, this is when I either get upset or mad that people don't have enough common sense to not say these types of things. But I didn't. Her face brightened as she said, "do you know that I didn't even want children for 10 years, then God just changed my heart. At that point, we had trouble conceiving." She went on to tell me out this book the I had to get (I'll reference that at the end). I get this kind of advice all-the-time. But this day was different. She was literally tearing up talking about how the book changed her life, what God taught her and her husband through the wait and how very much she loved her two blessings.

What really struck me about this conversation was not only her willingness to share her hurts of waiting for children, but also her eagerness to bare our infertility burdens and pray for us by name. She was so sincere in her encouragement. How sweet is my God? After committing my fears to Him Sunday, He sent me this sweet sister in Christ to encourage me in a new way.

I am so blessed. I have great friends who are sincerely interceding for us for the blessing of a child and I'm speechlessly thankful. Some I didn't even know until reading their blog, but they've taken the time to invest in me and send me encouragement through scripture, literature and their notes on our blog or through email. Dr. Youseff even made a point to tell Dad this week that he's praying for us by name. I'm sorry, who's praying for what? How awesome is my God to not leave us here, but to show us bits and pieces of His love through His servants...and I can't help but feel closer to Him!

Friends, this is the body of Christ! We need more baring with one another and interceding on behalf of their needs and hurts. I pray that I can be the same friend in return. This is God at work and I love it.

I bought the book that day at Barnes & Noble and can't put it down! Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. If you are trying to conceive or trying not to conceive...you MUST read this book. Seriously, life-changing! My eyes are totally opened to this awesome creation called the woman's body. Who knew? God made us so intricately and I didn't even know the half of it. Honestly, great for trying to get pregnant, but also great if you prefer not to use birth control and don't want any kiddos.

Hurry! Run out and get your copy today!