Little by Little, They Grow Up and so do We

Posted: 6 years ago

Little by Little, They Grow Up and so do We

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.

Share:

Jillian Benfield

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Related Posts

I used to be a resurrection person

I used to be a resurrection person. I used to want to skip over the messiness of holy week—the betrayal, the trial, the torture. I

Glass art Marriages

My husband and I have been through hell and back. More than once. We were broken for a time, yes. But instead of staying that

You have permission to live at a different pace than what was once required of you

I wonder if you’re someone who has lived life as if it were an emergency…because it was. Perhaps you’re like me and walked the halls

why i wouldn’t takeaway the pain of my past

“If you could go back and take it away- would you?” My husband asked me this question over a fancy dinner this past weekend. After

Speaker Inquiries & Requests

For all media inquiries, please contact

The Gift of the Unexpected

What if the unexpected is the beginning of becoming your truest self?

Jillian Benfield was living life in the spotlight as a TV journalist, but after receiving a life-altering diagnosis for her unborn son, she realized no camera-ready outfit could dress up her grief. Overcoming this unexpected circumstance wasn’t an option. She would have to undergo it instead. In doing so, she discovered who she was and who God wanted her to become.

In this riveting story filled with grit and grace, Jillian helps you break down the false constructs you’ve built around God and your identity. You won’t avoid your pain, but you’ll learn to feel it, in a healing way. And you’ll discover how your internal transformation leads to external purpose.

No matter what you’re going through, you’re invited to open this gift: The Gift of the Unexpected

The book is available on

Monthly Inspiration delivered straight to your inbox

Let's Be Friends

@jillianbenfieldblog

This is a Mother’s Day to remember! Violet and I

This is a Mother’s Day to remember! Violet and I sang a little duet at church and then we spent the rest of the day with both grandmas at the beach. How did you celebrate? 💗🌸💗

*I do not own the rights to this music*

“It’s not my turn” has been a phrase that ha

“It’s not my turn” has been a phrase that has served me well. Sometimes you have to make it your turn! But sometimes, we have circumstances that require us to focus elsewhere. And that’s okay. Is it your turn right now 🙋‍♀️ or 🙅‍♀️?

Today is his birthday! And Saturday was his last d

Today is his birthday! And Saturday was his last day in uniform 🎉

Andy is leaving the USAF reserves- officially in July. Last week, we reminisced about our military assignments: Las Vegas, NV, Alamogordo, NM, Tucson, AZ, San Antonio, TX and Colorado Springs, CO.

We both cried talking about Tucson. We both agreed. It was probably our best overall assignment. Largely because of the community we had there. And yet. So much trauma happened there.

“Oftentimes, when we are at our lowest, God’s grace shines brightest.” That is a quote from chapter 7 in my book, “The Gift of the Unexpected” (in bio)

It is referencing a small part of our time in Tucson. It doesn’t mention the miscarriage or the hell we went through with our youngest child.

But the sentiment still holds.

I am grateful for our time in the Tucson and in the military. And I am still saddened by all the heartache we experienced in those years. Both can be true.

Here is a reminder today for those who need it… Gratitude doesn’t erase the pain. Instead, it looks for the light that somehow entered it.

Yes, we are pretty excited to be gifting THREE sig

Yes, we are pretty excited to be gifting THREE signed copies of “The Gift of the Unexpected” in honor of Mother’s Day!

To get in on it- you must be an 📧 friend. Email will go out Tuesday morning, May 9th and will tell you what to do!

Are you entering? Drop a 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ or @ someone you think would love a copy! Join the 📧 crew with link in bio.

Follow me on Instagram

Back To Top