Timeless wisdom from a renowned theologian on living well From the fairy godmother's pumpkin coach to Herr Drosselmeyer's nutcracker, godparents have long been associated with good gifts. But in this book, a theologian and ethicist offers his real-life godson something far more precious than toys or trinkets-the gift of hard-won wisdom on life and the process of maturing. In each of sixteen letters-sent on the occasion of Laurence Wells's baptism and every year thereafter-he contemplates a specific virtue and its meaning for a child growing year by year into the Christian faith. Writing on kindness, courage, humility, joy, and more, he distills centuries of religious thinking and decades of self-reflection into heartfelt personal epistles that are both timely and timeless. An introduction by Samuel Wells-Laurence's father and the author's friend-tells the story behind these letters and offers sage insight into what a godparent is and can be.