I felt the delivery room, then the rest of the world, shift to some strange but wonderful new dimension. I was holding my first child--just minutes old--for the first time. It seemed that Heaven and Earth revolved around the tiny baby boy in my arms, and perhaps for that moment they did. It took me a while to realize that only the focal point of my world had changed forever. I was no longer the most important thing happening.

My wife and I had been in this together from the start, of course, and throughout her pregnancy I had tried to be involved and supportive. Still, when the big day came, she was way ahead of me. For her the birth was a sweet and natural transition to the next phase of a loving and nurturing relationship that had been going on for nine months; for me it was a sudden awakening of emotions that I hadn't imagined before.

In the days that followed, I noticed myself changing in unexpected ways. Pastimes that had once seemed so important or even necessary lost their appeal. I drove much more carefully, especially when the baby was in the car. Life was dearer now. I had more reason to work hard, and more to come home to. I wasn't just a husband, but a husband and a father. I was a family man! If you have children of your own or children you have loved as your own, you know just what I'm talking about.

This issue of Activated is dedicated to one of God's most wonderful earthly creations, the family. We hope that you find these testimonials, tips, and other articles informative and inspiring.

Keith Phillips
For the Activated family