A Liturgy for: Baby's First Birthday

Liturgies for the little years

With these weekly “Liturgies for the Little Years,” I seek to give words to the unique experiences of raising young kids in prayer form. My hope is that these liturgies would bring a sense of sacredness and meaning into the ordinary moments of daily life as a parent

I wrote this liturgy in honor of celebrating my daughter Rosie’s first birthday this past weekend! Parenting certainly requires a deep level of sacrifice, especially in that first year when your baby seems to need you so much. But while I gave a lot this year, more was given to me in return, both in my relationship with my daughter and with the Lord. Happy Birthday Rosie!

A Liturgy for: Baby’s First Birthday

My world may have grown
smaller this year
at the cost of care and love,
but at the same time,
I became a whole world
to this child of mine -
who, looking to me for every need,
unknowingly taught me more deeply 
the shape of child-like faith
in you Father God, who
knit me together,
ordained all my days. 

And so, I celebrate
the gift of growth
in both the life of my child
and the grounds of my own,
and I praise you, 
O Faithful Gardener,
for the grace that you’ve sown.