Lessons of Love and Service

I came across this story shared by President Monson. This story involves two men in Midway, Utah (near where we live). There are numerous lessons to be learned in this simple story.

The story is told as follows:

Long years ago, Roy Kohler and Grant Remund served together in Church capacities. They were the best of friends. They were tillers of the soil and dairymen. Then a misunderstanding arose which became somewhat of a rift between them. 

Later, when Roy Kohler became grievously ill with cancer and had but a limited time to live, my wife, Frances, and I visited Roy and his wife, and I gave him a blessing. As we talked afterward, Brother Kohler said, "Let me tell you about one of the sweetest experiences I have had during my life." He then recounted to me his misunderstanding with Grant Remund and the ensuing estrangement. His comment was, "We were sort of on the outs with each other."

"Then" continued Roy, "I had just put up our hay for the winter to come, when one night, as a result of spontaneous combustion, the hay caught fire, burning the hay, the barn, and everything in it right to the ground. I was devastated," said Roy. "I didn't know what in the world I would do. The night was dark except for the dying embers of the fire. Then I saw coming toward me from the road, in the direction of Grant Remund's place, the lights of tractors and heavy equipment. As the "rescue party" turned in our drive and met me amidst my tears," Grant said, "Roy, you've got quite a mess to clean up. My boys and I are here. Let's get to it." Together they plunged in to the task at hand. Gone forever was the hidden wedge which had separated them for a short time. They worked throughout the night and into the next day, with many others in the community joining in.

Roy Kohler has passed away, and Grant Remund is getting older. Their sons have served together in the same ward bishopric. I truly treasure the friendship of these two wonderful families. (General Conference Report, Apr. 2002, 22)

If we really ponder this story, there are many life lessons:

- What caused the rift in the first place? Why did they it allow it to cause a rift?

- How many memories were lost during that time when they were "on the outs" with each other?

- What would have happened through the generations had Grant not come to help that night with his children?

- How many wonderful memories came to these two men and their posterity as a result of forgiveness and charity?

I conclude with this wonderful admonition and thought from Moroni: 

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—" (Moroni 7:46)