Happy Birthday, Mama!

My foray into the world of blogging began with the task of naming my little slice of the cyber world. I arrived at “Mama’s Little Ditty” after about 5 minutes of intense introspection. Actually, the 5 minutes were almost entirely consumed by laughter at my own folly. I knew I needed to give the thing entirely to the Lord to avoid an ego-driven disaster. My goal was to explore the beautiful things that give evidence to God’s glory and to examine my own heart along the way. So, this blog is my funny little song for Him.

But "Mama’s Little Ditty" has another meaning as well. Mary, mother of Jesus, has always been my Mama. She has loved me into the heart of Jesus and I am always her little girl, her little song...Her “Little Ditty”. Today is her birthday and I am so glad to celebrate and honor the Mother of my Lord!

Beautiful Mother,

There was never a time in my memory when I did not love you. During my childhood you held me in your loving care. I hardly knew you but I loved you still.

You comforted me through loneliness and fear; as a little girl when I needed a mother’s kiss goodnight (remember when I would ask you to stay until I slept?); as an adult when I still need a mother’s gentle touch.

You have shown me that joy and purity bring a beauty that puts worldly values to shame.

You have helped me to see that Jesus is not just a storybook character but a powerful and merciful Lord Who is Giver of all that is good and beautiful. You did this by bringing me to the side of His cradle, the foot of His cross, and to the step of His throne. You held my hand when I was afraid to know Him. You lead me back when I've turned away.

You have taught me what it means to be feminine. Your fiat is the model of my life. I have learned to take joy in my vocation and to embrace it through your example.

As I examine my life, I can see clearly how God used you to show me how much I am loved. He could have revealed Himself to me in many ways but He knew the needs of my heart and sent His gentle mother to lead me home.

I have tried for years to capture your beauty in art; I cannot. I have tried to perfectly express my gratitude through song and poetry; I cannot. It is like trying to capture the facets of light with graphite; the best artists can hardly come close. I am trying to capture some of your beauty in my own life; to try and reflect something of His goodness as you did. I fall so short but you never stop brushing the dirt off my knees and leading me to the throne of His mercy.

Happy birthday, beautiful Mama! Please don't ever stop kissing me goodnight.


N.B. The image at the head of this post is a painting done by Morgan Weisling called "Kissing the Face of God". I share it because it is one of my favorite images of Mary but ask that you honor the rights of the artist by not printing it from your computer. If you like this painting, please consider purchasing your own print here.