Most adults, especially of a certain age, has a To Do List reserved for more than just the normal household chores. These lists are typically titled: "Things to do before you turn 30, later adjusted to 40, and so on and so forth" or "Things to do on a break- in between jobs, summer time, moving to a new city, etc." Due to a recent movie, of course, titles have taken a fatalistic turn like, "Things to do before I hit the bucket." Some Lists are very personal and profoundly-held. Some Lists are for show with little intentionality (like for those who write down bungee jumping). Whatever the case may be for your list, I dare say that a popular entry is "To learn a new language."
This morning, I had my final exams for Beginner's Greek II. This is the completion of my intensive 7-week course learning first century Greek (Koine) with a view to read the Greek New Testament. It has been hard work going to class nearly every morning and then another few hours with our workbook at home.
After all that, I am happy to check off my List, an entry that has been nagging me for a while, "to learn a new language." But it was more than just checking off an entry on a list. (Or completing a degree requirement.) Our teacher has encouraged us throughout the "year" (the usual amount of time these courses are taken) on focusing on the greater Goal- to know God, to appreciate the beauty of His Word, to understand His wisdom, and to richly experience the gifts He has given in those pages.
Now I can translate some passages with ease and read without having to stop too much. I have even done some devotional reading in Greek, which was rewarding. I also have a much improved English grammar and better study habits. Best of all, to know that I have learned something new, a skill I can apply, hone and master, is very fulfilling. I have not challenged my brain muscles like this in a long time. It is reassuring to know that it still somehow works, even after years of numbing subsistence-level activity (of the "buy-low, sell-high"-kind.)
If only my fingers would cooperate as I pick up guitar-playing ... ... ... again.
2 comments:
Ting, this is inspiring. Just the other day, a friend said to me that learning a language wakes up the brain cells. And that everybody should do it! Perhaps, someday, I will follow your (and Soy's, Ivy's, Ginger's, etc) lead!
You're a superhero, Ting! Congratulations on one more "semester" under your belt. You rock my world, Dr. Guevarra!
Post a Comment