A New Word

Michael has learned a new word. Heather and I could not be happier. To understand just how happy we are, it is helpful to know his history of words.

His first word ever was “ball.” By failing to pronounce the ‘L’—like most young toddlers—his at first sounded like “bah.” Surprisingly though, he learned to say his ‘L’ quickly, but in a rather curious way. Most say their ‘L’ by curling the tip of the tongue up to the back top of the front teeth. Michael, however, managed to train his tongue to curl up laterally on both sides. This tube-like tongue formation was a favorite fad for kiddos, but I’ve never seen a toddler this young learn it with such intensity—“ba-ull.” Getting closer. After a million more tries—“ba-all.” Got it. In a strange way.

So, “ball” was his first word, and undoubtedly his favorite word. Why? Because he learned the exhilaration of naming. And he named everywhere. Seeing oranges in the produce aisle… “ba-all.” Balloons in the store… “ba-all.” The leathered sphere bouncing in the NBA playoffs on TV… “ba-all.” In places betraying our first glance… “ba-all.” Ball. Ball. Ball. Ball. Ball. Ok, Michael, we get it! For Michael, “ball” was the verbal representation of a thing, an event, a property, a relation, something existing independently of him and from which he derives meaning and joy. Or to put it in less philosophical terms—it christened his first love… balls. He throws them, kicks them, bathes with them, sleeps with them, sits down and rolls them, and proudly shows them. And though he has added countless words—most unrecognizable, but with the same firm conviction in their existence—“ball” has been the most revered.

Until now. Yes, now there is a new word. Moma and da-da are VERY excited he has moved on to something new. Finally, we are free from “ba-all” repeated by the thousands every hour. We are impressed with his rapid, verbal development. After all, this is a compound word. We are immensely satisfied with the impassioned proclamation of his newer love. But, we are also a bit concerned. The word… “badgee-ball.” Translation… “basket-ball.”

Isn’t it amazing? His new love is still his old love. His newer passion has grown from his previous singular vision. His development and learning are rooted in his past knowledge. And his joy grows. It reminds me of John’s encouragement to abide in the love of Christ, “Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment…. Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you.” (1 John 2.7-8).

Praying that we may all abide in Him,
Jon