Imprinted with Love
The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. John 3:35
Everyone has a favorite children’s book—no matter how old they are. I did not discover mine until I was in my 60s. I love the writing and illustrations of Nancy Tillman. Mornings with Jesus contributor, Karen Sargent, shares some interesting points about her favorite.
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My youngest daughter, Randi, recently graduated from college and moved into her first apartment. As I sorted through the belongings she left behind, I found one of her favorite childhood books.
During Randi’s senior year of high school, she was invited to read The Kissing Hand to a kindergarten class. The story features a young raccoon who is afraid to leave his mom and go to school. The mama raccoon kisses the inside of his paw and suggests he press his paw to his check if he misses her.
The thoughtful kindergarten teacher emailed a video of Randi as she read to the class. Once the book was finished, Randi confided to the students that she used to feel like the baby raccoon when she left mom to go to school. And now, she felt that way again as she prepared to leave for college.
I wished I would have read that story to my daughter more often. I wish I would have kissed her hand when she was young—pressing a reminder of my love on her palm every day so Randi could see a concrete display of the love I have for her.
I know Another’s hands who are imprinted with love. Nail-scarred from hanging on Calvary, the palms of Jesus represent a love so far-reaching, so unending, that I can’t fathom it or escape it. And, that’s my favorite story of all.
Faith Step: With your finger, trace JESUS on your palm and press it to your cheek. Thank Him for His unfailing love.
Father, thank You for those creative heavenward thoughts! Teach us to search for You every day and in every way—even in a story for kindergarten. AMEN.