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Hey Dad,

Let me introduce the latest Wilson—Caleb Rex Wilson. Now, I know what you're thinking: Caleb Rex? Sounds like a dinosaur. I know it does, but we wanted to use my dad's name (Rex). The problem is, it just doesn't go with a lot of biblical names, and that's probably why it's taken us five boys to use it.

Anyway, from my perspective (the one not actually giving birth), the delivery went great. It was fast, smooth, and easy. My wife is doing great, and Caleb is adjusting to life at the Wilsons' … which is a lot to handle when you're a little guy.

For the last nine months, he's enjoyed the comforts of his own climate-controlled, world-insulating waterbed. But after a short trip through a tight space, he suddenly found himself in the arms of two people he would later know as mom and dad. For the first 24 hours, he enjoyed the warm quiet of the birthing center … but it soon came to an end.

After we were discharged, I carried him to the front door and paused to adjust his blankets before stepping out into the crisp, windy Indiana parking lot. "Well, Caleb," I said anticipating the contrasts, "Welcome to the REAL world."

He didn't respond, but inside I knew he was about to enter a harsh, blustery world where ugly things can and do happen. "Don't worry," I added, "Your dad will teach you everything you need to know."

Since that moment, I've thought about that big promise I made to my son and that I've made to all my children. I can't help but wonder how I'm doing so far.

Have I held up my end of the bargain? Have I been doing what I need to do to train and prepare them or have I been too busy with my stuff? Caleb is less than a week old, and already he's teaching me things.

So Dad, you and I have a lot of important stuff to do in the coming week. We've got kids to get ready for the REAL world. We need to teach them about God and their place in the world.

Your children are lucky to have you … and you're lucky to have them.

You 'da dad,

© 2006 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

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