I had the amazing opportunity to meet the Schwendiman family. Holly and Blake have an adopted daughter and son and live in the small town of Archer Idaho. After twenty two years of marriage, they finally got pregnant with their first baby. Her name is Jaimee. I asked Holly to share her experience, because it really touched my heart, and I hope it does yours.

(While in the doctors office) "Words, cannot express the feelings as I watched that little light flicker on the screen, and no amount of control could keep the tears from flowing. You are real. This is real.

Earlier in life, I combined the story of the pink crayon with my direction and purpose. The take away from the story of the pink crayon is simply this: You can’t give up coloring even when your favorite color isn’t available. I’ve shared my own personal adaptation of this principal to my longing to become pregnant and be a mom many times over the years. Most often, it has been with the sweet young women I have had the pleasure of working with in the church. Well, last night, I had one of those girls come up to me and as she hugged me and expressed her excitement at my recent news she exclaimed, “Sister Schwendiman! You can finally color with your pink crayon!!” Tears swelled in my eyes at her comment. She hasn't been the first who've reminded me of my pink crayon, and it’s sudden arrival in my box. I am humbled.

I thought I understood a bit about times and seasons of life. What I failed to see, was my perspective was limited – the Lord’s is not. I convinced myself that my time and season of raising small children was coming to a close, much like the picture of Fall. This Spring will bring more than new leaves to these trees, it will bring a greater realization of the miracles of rebirth and renewal. So often, the greatest challenges in life produce the most unexpected and joyous blessings. This is my corrective lens on the topic of times and seasons: Our goal isn’t to control them, it’s to simply enjoy the beauty of each season and find peace in the master who created them."