Mirrors and Mangers: Reflections on Parenthood, Pain, and Purpose

For the longest time, I didn't want to have children. Perhaps it was selfishness or the overwhelming sense of responsibility that held me back. Years passed as I navigated relationships until one day in my thirties, I met the woman of my dreams at a friend's child's birthday party of all places.

We have now been married for over ten years and have three beautiful, exhausting children. As I have grown older and more mature—perhaps wiser—I can barely recognize my...