Paul (16 months) is quickly learning to use his tongue. Just a few weeks ago we were still fascinated by his simple words like “ma” and “da” and shaking his head “no” when he didn’t want something you tried to offer him.
Now, it is clear that he is trying very hard to listen to what you say and make his tongue answer back. For the most part it is still one syllable sentences. Like, “Va!” means, “Hey, it’s Violet! Can I pet you?”
Paul has also learned the value of body language in combination with his words. If he gives his cup to you and says, “juice” we all know that he wants juice. For him this has been a great relief to his frustrations. He now gets more of what he wants… Especially since he is so good at pointing to exactly what he wants and patiently waiting for you to get it right.
I am sure there is a tie in with this observation to the spiritual life. My best guess would be that of baby believers. They know what they want, they know what they are feeling. But often times the find it impossible to express something in the “right Christian language.”
Perhaps this is merely a reminder of how important it is that we, as believers, learn to speak the language of the new believers instead of the other way around. So in the regard the illustration falls apart.
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