Exceptions and . . . Spanish Verbs

Learning how to conjugate verbs in Spanish was difficult for me especially when I resisted learning the language of 'my oppressors' as a young, idealistic teenager growing up in Manila, Philippines. But when I received my mission call to serve in Spain (which was a welcome irony...) I resolved to learn to speak Castellano like a native-speaker. So I memorized a dozen verbs a day.

Growing up, I've always had the notion that I was exceptional. I would surmise that all people feel this way. It has to be so because we are all individuals. But I think that each one of us goes through some exceptional circumstances that require exceptional choices. How do you tackle exceptions especially when living in a culture of compliance---a culture that extols the following of rules and order? I learned the answer to this quandary by learning to conjugate Spanish verbs. And in learning to conjugate Spanish verbs, I also learned a few interesting parallels in life.

1. Most Spanish verbs follow the basic rules. But some verbs are exceptions and you must learn them.

The basic, non-threatening way to learn how to conjugate irregular verbs is by study and memorizing as many verbs as possible--regular or irregular. The more verbs you know, the better it is. Sometimes there are verbs that are regular that you can substitute for the harder, exceptional verbs. It's like casting a bigger net and it helps. Then there is also the little used art of listening. As you hear people speak, you pick up nuances and the more you hear, the more these exceptions become second-nature. So it's important to learn to engage others to speak...and share their opinions, their lives, their stories. It is enriching. And it carries very little risk to your person. Learning from listening to others is a worthy enterprise especially if you learn from articulate and beautiful speakers of the language. If you learn from the best speakers then your Spanish will also be just as beautifully spoken. And then lastly, some irregular verbs you just have to learn by stumbling. You may have memorized them but you may not always use them. And when the time comes, it may not come out right the first time because the first time you actually hear it used in real life is when you hear yourself say it. There is much risk in learning this way but learn you will. Such is life. And how it must be lived. We study, ponder and think. We learn from others by observation and meditation. And we learn from stumbling and erring.

 2. Learn the rules and the exceptions will take care of themselves.

Learning the exceptions always require an aside-- as though learning the exceptions require a detour in the normal course of the lesson. We must remain compliant until the time comes when we are faced with an event that requires a seemingly exceptional choice.

3. Even the irregular verbs follow their own rules or patterns of conjugation.

The irony behind this is that when faced with challenges, these exceptional challenges are exceptional only because they are ours. But the principles by which we withstand the winds of adversity are eternal and constant.

Adversity sometimes comes in subtle disguises. What we may think is a life free from serious adversity is in and of itself, an exceptional challenge. Sometimes we think that we want to free ourselves from the banal--the ordinary, the easy and expected because what is on the other side is more exciting. Or sometimes we become blinded by the shiny and new--the unknown journey or even the unseen dangers that may prove to be the thrill itself; when what we deem ordinary and consistently predictable is the exceptional choice that carries with it the extraordinary life that we've always longed for. Beware. Even the exceptional has rules.

4. It is interesting that the verbs of being, possession and knowing are the irregular verbs that require exceptions to the rules of conjugation.

To be, to have, to know---these are the verbs of exception. And yet these are also the verbs that we invariably use in just about every concept and thought. It is inevitable that we use them. And yet, they are the ones that we have to learn to conjugate outside the rules. And the ones that defy the rules. I find that intriguing--especially when whatever principle of intelligence (to know) we attain in this life is what will determine what we become and what we will have. (D&C 130:18)

All things follow their just order. And in order to become exceptional people, we must remain steadfast and true to the principles that are constant and true. The exception actually comes from living the rules.