Book Club Book

So, first of all, I know it's hard to believe...but I am actually participating in our Relief Society book club and second of all...that I actually finished the book with a week to spare. Crazy I know. It helped that summer re-runs are still on.

Anyway, the book I read (or I should say, I re-read because I read it like 11 years ago) was The Other Side of Heaven by John Groberg. I forgot just how good of a book it was and how much you can learn from his experiences in Tonga. I just wanted to share one of his letters home that I read last night about love because I wanted to let all of my family and friends know how much I really do love and appreciate you and that I know I need to be better at showing it. So, here it is...

"The language of love is the most important language of all. If one learns that language, he/she can speak to every heart. Love is the only lasting thing in the world. When everything else is done, our value might be summed up by 'how much did he/she love?' Love is deeper than we know. I think that by being kind and considerate and never being angry or cross, we can keep love more of the time. I'm sure anger drives love from our hears. Cross words and bad tempers check and starve the seeds of love within us. Love, trust, and sacrifice for others are the greatest forces in the world. Love is shown by how much we are willing to deny ourselves for the good of others, how much we are willing to go through that others might benefit. We need lots more of it. When all else is done, they will only remember, 'How much did he/she love us?' When all else is done, we will only remember how much one loved us. The Savior set the example; it's deeper than I know, but I hope it goes to its full depth of meaning as I say 'I love you all.'"