The name Justus means upright, honest and fair-minded. The name Tobin means “God is good.” Justus Tobin Wright was born at 7:58 p.m. on October 21 in Casper, Wyoming. He weighed seven pounds, 11 ounces at birth. He is a very special person to us. He is our son.

It’s exciting to think about all the things we will be able to teach him and show him. I can’t wait to show him how to throw a football, and when he is big enough, how to ride a motorcycle. Tonya is looking forward to teaching him to read and seeing him learn to speak Thai.

As his parents, we have a weight of responsibility to help Justus grow and mature, not only physically and mentally, but spiritually, too. He will begin to form his impressions of what God is like by how we relate to him every day. He will learn how to talk to God and have a relationship with his heavenly family by watching us in prayer and worship. He will learn how to be a part of his church family through the example we set for him in how we show love and respect for our sisters and brothers.

Justus is teaching us some important spiritual lessons as well. The first morning I held him in my arms, watching the sun come up out our hospital room window, I realized how vulnerable and open he is right now. He has no ulterior motives behind his words and actions. When he is hungry or uncomfortable, he tells us clearly. He doesn’t try to manipulate us or use us to get ahead or further his own agenda, unless his agenda is to eat and get a clean diaper! And then I understood why Jesus came to our world as a baby.

Jesus was Immanuel, God with us. I believe God wanted to prove to this world how much He desired to have a real, honest relationship with us. I think God wanted to model genuine vulnerability for broken, messy, wounded human beings who are used to armoring themselves emotionally. What better way to model that kind of openness and vulnerability than to come as a baby who has nothing to hide and sincerely needs the care of loving parents and friends.

Justus Tobin is our son, and he is God’s son. We are so blessed to be able to see how God will use him to advance His kingdom, and how through him we are coming to better understand the depths of God’s joy in restoring our relationship with Him and with those around us.

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