“Don’t seek to ascribe your internal value by external means.” Where the words my wife used to remind me that I’m not alive to be popular. Throughout my student loan repayment journey I found it necessary to often forgo shopping, dining, and traveling with friends.

As a husband and father of two, it’s difficult placing the needs of my family before my own desires. However, this is exactly what Jesus Christ has called me to do. I am called to love my wife as Christ loved the church as found in Ephesians 5:25. This means even when she is disagreeable (as I can be too), I must show her love.

I must also imitate Christ in humility as found in Phillipians 2:3. By no means does the Bible call for believers to be doormats. The Bible provides us with “Fruits of the Spirit”- desirable qualities we should look for in ourselves and others. With that said, how will my decisions affect others?

In the context of this blog, life isn’t about paying off debt; and this doesn’t make it okay to become a spendthrift. I regret not “seeing the forest for the trees” in pursuit of debt repayment. I’ve sacrificed putting Christ on display by holding onto resources, and forgetting 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread were more than enough for Him to work with.

I must acknowledge my own moral failures and extend forgiveness; even if my loan servicers won’t do the same hahaha. Forgiveness is not for those who hurt you, but for you. Holding onto hurt is like a bad rope burn, let it go. So this post is to my 18-year-old self, I forgive you for signing the promissory note unwittingly lol.

For my readers, what regrets do you still hold on to? What do you need to forgive yourself and others of? Join me in starting the journey by commenting below.

Until next time everyone, stay strong… fight on… and have no debt but love. Peace and blessings.