For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst knit me together in my mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)

Fathers in earlier generations usually weren't allowed to do this, but I have had the splendid privilege of watching and helping as two of my children were born.

The first time, the experience was new and overwhelming. I felt I had witnessed God's hands at work in the world and when our baby was safely delivered, I was left groping for inadequate words to describe what I had seen. The word "awesome" came to mind, it truly is an "awesome wonder" to see "all the worlds God's hands have made. How great Thou art!" (Stuart K. Hine).

That first birth left us impressed with the pricelessness and preciousness of life. The birth of our second child was different: for three weeks, we literally did…