By Sara Parker

I was confiding in my husband this afternoon about my desire for a baby.

One of my best friends had a baby girl a few weeks ago, and holding that warm little bundle of sweetness was enough to re-kindle the ache in my heart. It’s hard to describe the ache…the pang of sadness paired with the ping of joy. The ache often comes when I get the privilege of holding a precious little one – which means that a friend of mine has had a new baby, and of course I am filled with excitement and joy. But I can’t escape that little pull that reminds me of what I’ve never had, and how I may never have it.

A couple of weeks ago, during Ladies Bible Study, we ladies were tasked with this homework: Write a letter confiding to God your deepest heart’s desires.

On my list: #4. A baby.

My hubby asked if I had been praying about it. I told him yes, but I often fail to because, I think, I’m afraid to start hoping again. I don’t really care how this baby comes to me. I would be perfectly happy to adopt a baby…I just, one time, would like to experience what most mothers experience – holding and caring for a tiny little newborn.

As I thought about how seldom I actually pray for this baby my heart desires, I was suddenly reminded of something I had completely forgotten about.

Back in April, I fasted. This is not something I typically do. I felt led to do so, and I did it. I posted about it here. Specifically, that day, I was fasting and praying for three friends.

Today, just five months later, they all have their miracles.Two of them posted comments on that link I just gave. Angela is pregnant with triplets (!!!), and my long-time friend Julie received an unexpected phone call that led to the very recent adoption of her daughter. My third friend, Beth, a friend since the third grade, who had been trying to conceive for about a year, is due with her baby girl in January.

Take a moment today and think back to some of your answered prayers. Praise God for them. I knew He was listening that April day, but I didn’t realize until today that He was also moving in my friends’ lives. I’m just in complete awe right now. I’m thinking next time I fast for babies, I should add myself to the prayer list. ;)