Age Spots and Polka Dots

polka dots

As a mother of three young children, I am grateful for daily opportunities to look with fresh eyes on the wonder that unfolds in every day.

Peering into the bathroom mirror one evening, my three-year-old daughter Ava asked what I was doing. “Mommy is looking at some spots on her skin,” I said to her. “Show me them,” she asked. And so, I kneeled on the floor and pointed out some of the age spots that had appeared for the first time over the winter and which greatly displeased me. She took my face in her little hands and said sweetly, “It’s okay Mommy; I love your polka dots,” and kissed my face.

Only a child could see these brown splotches as God’s polka dots on a face. Only a child could teach us the true meaning of how much we are loved and how God truly sees us, precious and beautiful.

There is a French proverb which states that, “Gratitude is the heart’s memory.” I know this to be true, because the memories that are stamped on my heart are moments of deep gratitude to God for giving me these beautiful children to raise and to love.

May these years as a young mother show in a face full of polka-dot wisdom and love!


Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to download your Thanksgiving prayer placemat for this week’s celebration.

About Julianne Stanz 80 Articles
Julianne Stanz is the Director of Outreach for Evangelization and Discipleship at Loyola Press and a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization. She served previously as Director of Discipleship and Leadership Development for the Diocese of Green Bay. Julianne infuses her talks, retreats, and seminars with humor, passion, and insights from her life in Ireland. A popular speaker, storyteller, and author, Julianne is married with three children and spends her time reading, writing, teaching, and collecting beach glass. She is the author of Start with Jesus: How Everyday Disciples Will Renew the Church, Developing Disciples of Christ, Braving the Thin Places, and co-author, with Joe Paprocki, of The Catechist’s Backpack.

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