I have this really distinct memory from my childhood.

I'm playing my backyard wandering in the trees and hiding in the leaves, when I overhear a conversation my neighbors are having in the next yard over. A little boy was asking his father, who was pretty young himself, where heaven is. The father knelt down at the boy's side and pointed to the sky. "Do you see that tiny little star way over there? It's way way beyond that."

I was a young girl, probably only about 8 or so. But I remember knowing that heaven wasn't far beyond the stars, deep in space. I knew and felt that it was here around us, that angels and loved ones were close watching and guiding us every day. I understood at that moment that not everyone knew, as I know, how much God loves us. And that is truly a precious gift.

1. Heavenly Father, are you really there?
   And do you hear and answer ev'ry child's prayer?
   Some say that heaven is far away,
   But I feel it close around me as I pray.
   

   Heavenly Father, I remember now

   Something that Jesus told disciples long ago:

   "Suffer the children to come to me."

   Father, in prayer I'm coming now to thee.
2. Pray, he is there;
   Speak, he is list'ning.
   You are his child;
   His love now surrounds you.
   He hears your prayer;
   He loves the children.
   Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heav'n.