Life Lessons and Love Languages: What I’ve Learned on My Unexpected Journey
By Gary Chapman
Moody Publishers, 2021
Several years ago, my husband and I led a small group study of “The 5 Love Languages of Children.” As I was reading one evening during my daughter’s gymnastics practice, another mother saw the book cover. She immediately shared her love language and those of her husband and children, which sparked other parents in the group to share too.
The humorous stories and thoughtful reflections shared spontaneously that night illustrate the far-reaching influence of Gary Chapman. His simple concept of five love languages and how to “speak” them has helped countless people improve relationships with their spouses, children and others in their lives.
Nuggets of wisdom
In “Life Lessons and Love Languages: What I’ve Learned on my Unexpected Journey,” Chapman takes a look back, from growing up in a small town, going to college and seminary, to marrying his wife Karolyn, parenting his two children (and now grandparenting two grandchildren) and serving the Lord as a minister, counselor and author. Ever the teacher, Chapman summarizes the things he’s learned at the end of each section.
Chapman doesn’t elaborate too much on any one story, but it’s clear that at each stage of his life, he has trusted God’s leadership for the next step. As he writes, “I’m glad I did not see the entire journey from the beginning. I think I would have been overwhelmed. It was one step at a time.” Fans will enjoy reading his personal story, but all readers will benefit from his nuggets of wisdom.
