My son said, “Dead Sea Squirrels.”

(It’s a flex, though, because we were talking about Qumran...one day he’ll say the scrolls’ name flawlessly. He’s six.)

We talk of ancient clay jars, parchment fragments, and Old Testament books. 

I admire my baby boy. He’s unafraid to attempt the formation of unfamiliar words as his mind ambles through places and concepts. My son’s ego is a perfect traveling companion—it’s undaunted and it needs no coddling. 

His audacious openness to imperfection in the greater pursuit of understanding, teaches me. He displays the balance of humility and confidence that comes from gentle living. He just does not war with himself. 

I giggle at the thought of squirrels at the Dead Sea. I’m treasuring it in my heart. It’s a reminder to afford myself the gentleness I extend to my son, to let playfulness and curiosity condition my ego, and to value learning as the prize.