God uses people in our lives, every day, if we will slow down enough to notice. Especially during times of trial, God has distinctly used others in my life. Sometimes in little ways, like an encouraging word that I needed that day, and other times in bigger facets.

Two months before our precious Jace would arrive, I was working at the local clinic where I had worked for several years as a medical assistant. This particular day was hard. I had known about our baby’s diagnosis of HLHS for a little over a month and some days were harder than others.

So much anticipation and worry, all while trying to “put on a happy face” for patients and their kiddos. I was also bombarded with all the normal questions that every pregnant woman receives, like “how far along are you?” “Are you having a boy or girl?”. These questions are fine and dandy, but when you have the larger questions of “what will life look like navigating a chronic illness?” running through your mind, these small questions drained me.

My doctor had a large break in her schedule for afternoon meetings and she suggested that I take a break myself. I rarely took breaks, especially a break that was just for me. So I decided to go get a pedicure. Pushing the guilt aside, I tried to relax and enjoy this pampering experience.

During the months before Jace was born, worry flooded my mind and all I could focus on was the unknown, or the uncertainties. This doesn’t help by the way.

My sister had the recommendation to focus on the things I do know. So as I sat there with my feet soaking, I got out a piece of paper and wrote down all the things I know.

Here was my list:

-God made this little baby

-God chose Kylan and I to be THIS BABY’S parents

-God doesn’t make mistakes

-God allows me to go through hard times but He carries me through it

-God will give us what we need during this time

-God will use this baby/this situation for His good

-Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

-God has a plan

-God knows the details of what will happen

There it was. All out on paper. Even as I write this, I feel peace.

So I went back to the clinic, after feeling much more rejuvenated and relaxed, ready to handle any interactions with others I may experience. I didn’t expect what the next experience would be.

I picked up the patient’s chart, opened the door and called the patient’s name from the waiting room. Waiting for them to gather their belongings, a middle aged women sitting right in the middle of the waiting room smiled at me, glancing at my belly.

“God made that baby, you know?”

I don’t know if I said anything because I was so in awe. I simply smiled at her. When I finally got back to my desk, I smiled and thanked the Lord that He cared enough for me to send someone to reaffirm my own words. “God made this little baby.”

God uses others in our lives, we just need to slow down enough to notice. If I had not stopped and treated myself to a pedicure, I would not have written these words down, thus, the woman’s words to me would not have been as meaningful.

Praise God for his attention to the detail of our lives.