āWherever you are . . . God is there.ā So begins author Glenys Nellistās assuring young children of Godās presence in their lives in nature as the seasons unfold from a wintery landscape to a daffodil-adorned springtime to a summer adventure fishing in a creek and observing honey bees in flight. Children learn that God is with them as fireflies gleam in the summer nighttime and when an awesome rainbow follows a rain shower. Godās presence is also evident in neighbors working together to rake leaves, in the eyes of strangers, and in parks and city streets.
Nellist shows kids that God is also there in the inner landscapes of their lives: āGod is in the tears, / in the sadness, / in the pain. / God is in the laughter / and the hope that comes again.ā
Artist Sian Jamesās vivid, joyful illustrations and Glenys Nellistās comforting, lullaby-like poem bring to mind the psalmist Davidās words: āWhere can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fastā (Psalm 139:7-10). (Beaming Books)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.