Yesterday a good friend of mine called to announce that he had just become the father of twin boys. Because there were medical complications, I immediately jumped in my car and drove to the hospital. After visiting with my friend and his wife in the recovery area, I decided to decorate their room—so I went to the lobby gift shop.

Under the wise counsel of the lady behind the counter, I purchased two balloons, two small stuffed bears, and a card. She told me congratulations, so I clarified that I'm just a friend and not the father. "I have the easy job—just watching and telling bad jokes," I said. "I don't believe that, honey," she replied with a big smile. I figured she was trying to upgrade the size of the balloons.

She continued, "If you're buying all this, then I bet you aren't just going to watch as those boys grow up. Nope, they're going to need you to be part of their lives for those boys to stand a chance in this world. Little people need big people, you know."

Her words ...