Financially Aided

I knew when I started applying for financial aid that the likelihood of getting it was like...zilch. But after jumping through fifty annoying hoops to arrive at the discovery that I was "ineligible" (but hey, we can give you $10,000 of debt if you want?) I wanted to be a little grumpy.

But I refuse. I've looked at the bright side of my financial state and I'm pretty darn stable. While yes, I would've liked to save the tuition I've earned for other things (like a car, or next year's tuition), I did save it with the knowledge it would probably be going to this year's tuition.

And I still have a month of my great well-paying job to work and earn more savings for other things. Not to mention all my lovely gadgets and furniture and books which amount to a pretty big amount, and they're mine -- I'm pretty darn spoiled. And I think it all boils down to one thing.

I'm pretty much HUGELY blessed financially. My parents have taught me since my youth to save and to pay my tithing, and that is what I've done with every "paycheck" since I was probably six. I gave 10% back to the Lord, and I put 10% to my future. And somehow I still manage to have everything I want (I'm REALLY spoiled). Not only that, but my parents didn't just give me everything. When I wanted an iPod, my parents purchased it, but I spent six months paying them back. And I learned about financing, and debt, and credit because of that.

Admittedly, my parents have just "given" me a lot of things, and I am not going to deny that's the greatest thing ever. Because that's what Heavenly Father does. He gives us *everything* and there is no way we can ever pay him back. I also appreciate learning how to manage my own money, however, which is why Heavenly Father lets us manage our own lives. He could take control and still give us pretty awesome lives - but he knows by letting us control our own lives and make our own choices, we may make mistakes and go into deeper debt (sin) but it helps us grow to climb back out (even if it means swallowing our pride and acknowledging we're bankrupt and letting our big brother pay our debts for us). It also gives us a feeling of satisfaction when we don't go into debt, and we know it was our choice.

Basically, I'm thankful for being taught by my parents from a young age, to not only be financially responsible, but to be spiritually responsible. I know it's hard for them to trust me to make the right choices and not fall into "debt" - but as good parents they know like their perfect Father the right way is to teach me what they can and let me choose my own path. I feel my personal strength and testimony grow when I make big decisions for myself. I wouldn't have it any other way.