Wherever You Are

     As a parent and elementary teacher, I get to enjoy children's books every day.  Wherever You Are is a warm and wonderful children's book by author/illustrator Nancy Tillman.  The simple message repeated on each of the beautifully illustrated pages is "You are loved."

     I wanted you more than you ever will know, so I sent love to follow wherever you go.  It’s high as you wish it.  It’s quick as an elf.  You’ll never outgrow it...it stretches itself! ~Wherever You Are,  Nancy Tillman

     Along with the captivating illustrations are short phrases that encourage children to grow, to try new things, to "march to the front" of their "own parade" and assures them that no matter where they go or what they do, that they are loved.

Make a big splash!  Go out on a limb!  My love will find you.  My love can swim!  `Wherever You Are, Nancy Tillman

     I shared Wherever You Are at a recent children's church service.  The text echoes a prayer found in the New Testament.  Paul writes to the Ephesians that they might know that they are loved.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,  from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  ~Ephesians 3

     How high and wide is God’s love? As high as the son of God who was lifted on a rugged cross and as wide as His two arms outstretched.  Wherever you are, wherever you go, His love will find you.  Passionately, recklessly, infinitely.  You are loved.

     Nancy Tillman does not know me and has not in any way endorsed this post.  I just love her book.

     What other children's books echo the sincere love of God our Father to us?