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Watching My Toddler Grow Taught Me About Spiritual and Personal Growth

Watching My Toddler Grow Taught Me About Spiritual and Personal Growth

The other day, I found myself staring at my daughter, Buttercup, wondering, When did she get so tall? I’m with her every day, yet I never noticed when she grew by an inch or lost her adorable chubbiness to toddler movements. Buttercup has gone from being a baby to a lively toddler, and it’s been one of the most rewarding—yet puzzling—experiences of my life.

It feels like just yesterday she was learning to crawl, and now she’s running around, exploring the world with curiosity and independence.

This reflection made me wonder: Where was I while this growth happened? Why didn’t I notice it? Of course, my thoughts quickly shifted to spiritual growth (because I'm Bibi) and how invisible it often feels. Whether physical, spiritual, or personal, growth happens gradually and often feels unseen until we pause and look back.

In today’s post, I’ll explore how raising Buttercup has helped me better understand spiritual growth, personal development, and the beauty of life’s gradual transformations.

Buttercup playing in a ball pit


The Invisible Miracle of Growth

Buttercup didn’t become a toddler overnight, yet some days, it feels that way. Her milestones—her first words, first steps, first laughs—came in small, incremental steps that I hardly noticed amidst the busyness of daily life.

This same pattern exists in spiritual and personal growth. As adults, we evolve in ways that can feel invisible in the moment. But when we reflect on who we were a year ago—or even a week ago—we can often see how far we’ve come.

Spiritual Growth: A Parallel Journey

Being a mum has revealed profound parallels between her growth and my own spiritual journey.

The Role of Nurturing

Just as I nurture Buttercup with love, patience, and guidance, I’ve felt God nurturing me through life’s ups and downs. Every challenge, moment of reflection, and quiet prayer has been a building block of my spiritual growth.

One thing I’ve learned as a mum is to hold onto God at the hem of His garment. I can’t do this alone. I’ve gone from being a "figure-it-out" person to leaning on God wholeheartedly. Parenthood has humbled me and drawn me closer to Him in ways I never imagined.

Proverbs 3:5-6 , "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight".

Little Miss Independent 

Unseen Transformation

Spiritual growth, like physical growth, happens in the unseen moments. It’s in the small choices we make, the lessons we learn, and the grace we receive along the way. Watching Buttercup reminds me to celebrate these small, unseen transformations in my own life.

Life Lessons from My Toddler

Buttercup has taught me some of the most profound lessons about growth, presence, and life’s journey.

Celebrate Small Milestones

When Buttercup learns a new word or tries something new, we cheer for her. Recently, she mastered saying "Hi," "Up," and "Wow." These small wins remind me to celebrate my milestones, whether overcoming a challenge or taking one step closer to a personal goal.

Be Present in the Moment

Buttercup lives fully in the now. She doesn’t dwell on the past or worry about the future, and her presence inspires me to slow down and enjoy each moment. While I wish I could naturally live like her, I’m learning to do it with intention.

Growth Happens in the Ordinary

The biggest transformations often happen during the most ordinary moments. Whether we’re reading a book together or enjoying a quiet time, these moments lay the foundation for change and growth.

The Journey of Becoming

Parenthood has been as much a journey of growth for me as it has been for Buttercup. It has stretched me, taught me patience, and deepened my resilience. Most importantly, it has strengthened my spiritual connection as a Christian.

I’m reminded of Philippians 2:12-13:
"Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose."

This journey of becoming is one that God is constantly guiding me through—just as I guide Buttercup in hers.

Reflection

Growth—whether in toddlers or adults—is often invisible in the moment. But when we pause to reflect, the evidence is undeniable: in Buttercup’s bright smile, in my deepened faith, and in the love that connects us.

As I continue this journey with Buttercup, I’m reminded to cherish the present, celebrate the small moments, and trust that growth is happening—even when I can’t see it.

So, here’s to Buttercup, to spiritual growth, and to the miracle of becoming. May we all find joy in the journey, trusting that it is leading us to Christ.

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