Changed but a better fit

I have had an opportunity to look again at a language I learned some 40 years ago.  At the time I learned it, I thought it was so special and did everything I could to learn it well.  Time passed, and I exposed myself to it less and less.  But recently, I have reacquainted myself with reading it.  I like the language.  By this time in my life, I am very comfortable reading it.

But, something has changed.  It's not on a pedestal anymore.  I see many more aspects of it than I used to and know how to connect what it says a whole lot better because it belongs in a bigger world than I at first had imagined.  I know a whole lot more about translation principles now and work with other languages as well.  I have also seen this second language translated into a third and fourth language, not only from a second language into a first language.  It's a really different experience now to read the language that at one time I had thought was so special.

If I apply that principle to the important things in life, I get the same effect.  The world fits a larger context now.  My world view has more experiences to make up its mosaic.  Translation principles of what is really important have changed almost completely.  Enjoyment and comfort have taken on a whole lot more meaning.  And love?  My whole definition for that word has changed.  I'm not even sure I would use it anymore.  It's such a misnomer.  I know it when I see it, though, and it has a whole lot more to do with enjoyment and comfort, and a lot less with commitment and determination.