by Elder Valeri V. Cordon
A few years ago, I decided to go back to school. I discovered during my first go-around that I somehow managed to get by without taking a foreign language. In order to fulfill my requirements I needed to take two semesters of a foreign language. I chose Spanish since that seemed the most logical choice.
As an adult, learning a new language was difficult. I confirmed that I do not have the gift of tongues. My motivation for the class soon settled in earning a passing grade. Which I did. I did what needed to be done to pass the class. It was the bare minimum when it comes to learning a language. After two semesters my retention can be summed up in two words: Buena suerte. That’s it. That’s all I can remember.
Elder Cordon’s talk about the language of the gospel made me think of my experience with linguistics. How sad it would be if at the end of my life and I’m asked to report on what I learned about the gospel I can only give a two-word report. I hope that isn’t the case. My desire is to be a much better gospel learner than I was foreign language learner.
ck's days 