By Karise Hutchinson
When I wrote my blog last October before the Women's conference I was in a period of transition. Well and truly "stuck in the moment". But, I had no idea how close I was to becoming unstuck and totally unprepared for the next chapter in my life!
At this time and standing on the steps at church one Sunday morning my brother shared a picture he felt God had given him for me. He said that while naturally it was soon to be winter, God was bringing a new season of spring time into my life. Excited that the time of transition I wrote about was coming to end, I waited with anticipation for the next chapter to unfold. Well (deliberate pause).... How I interpreted this new spring season couldn't have been more different from what God had in store!Only 6 weeks after posting the blog I found out I was pregnant. This came as a huge shock. For those who don't know us, at this point Ali and I had 3 children, our oldest 17 and youngest 7. Our family was complete, or so we thought! I feel it is important to share that when I found out I did cry and struggle at first to come to terms with this new season. I had made plans about work and life. Having a tendency to want to control and a perfectionist streak, I thought I knew where I was going as I moved from point A to a defined point B in my story. Foolishly I had put what God could do in my life in a box. My box. But, God had something more beautiful in store for me and my family. A colourful spring time beyond our imagination- Samuel Elliot Hutchinson born on 4th July 2016.As we dedicate Sam on Sunday with our friends and family at CCV, I reflect on the last 12 months and find I learned 3 important truths about the season of transition.First. It is somewhat like labour. It may be slow and protracted, but there is purpose in the pain. When we allow God to give us what we need in the next chapter of our lives, it comes in His perfect timing.Second. Point B can turn out to be something quite different to the original plan. We can plan the next stage of the journey, but often God uses the time of transition to reposition us for something different. He knows what is best for us (we really don't!)Third. God is faithful to the end. For those still waiting, place your trust in the Lord. He knows the beginning from the end. As I wrote before, He is the author of your story and your story is far from over. He always works everything together for our good.Having a baby at this late stage in my life (my 40th birthday present!) is like starting again. But, that's the beauty of new beginnings. When we walk with God, our life is a never ending story. If you don't do (or can't do) anything else, take time to thank God for this season. For you and me the best is yet to come.
