Story by Jillian Benfield
It started with her tiny sleepers. The neckline tugged and her little toes extended beyond the seam. Sadness crept in, she would never be this small again. But deep down I knew there were more sweet chapters to come, so I wiped away the tear, boxed up her clothes, and got out the bigger sizes.
Little by little, they grow up and so do we.
The naps began to dwindle and I felt panicked. How will I ever get anything done? One day, the sleep-filled afternoons were gone. At times I gave her more of me and at others, I taught her the value of being bored. Because she needed both and so did I.
Little by little, they grow up and so do we.
Then it was her first day of Kindergarten. There was a mix of excitement and reluctance. I held back the tears as she walked over the threshold, not believing the day had already come. But this moment was about her, about her future, so I released her hand, put on a smile, and waved goodbye.
Little by little, they grow up and so do we.
I notice the soccer sign-up sheet and knew life was about to change. Gone would be the Saturday morning cartoons, cuddles, and coffee. They are now filled with a rush to get out the door, travel mugs, and cheering from the sideline. We give her more of our time so she can stretch, grow, and discover her strengths.
Little by little, they grow up and so do we.
Because we know deep down our children do not only belong to us, but to Him, to the world, for big purposes. Little by little, we pour in, push them on, and let go. One day, they will be thankful we did; one day we will be thankful for the time we had and the time still to come.
Little by little, they grow up and so do we.
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