My
grampa Stone (David Ray Stone) died when he was well into his nineties-96 or 97-I believe. The last time I saw him was
when he was living in an assisted living center with his second wife, Esther. He was always kind to me and loved to pull
out his coin purse and give me a nickel, dime, or quarter, with the charge to
“go get a candy bar or a soda pop.” He
was also interested in my sports activities.
During the last visit, I asked him for advice: “Papa Stone, what is the one thing you would
like me to know?” In his raspy, gravelly voice, he replied succinctly, “stay
out of debt!”
He
explained that he had incurred debt as a young married man that had followed
him most of his life before he was able to finally pay it off. This was due to a loan he and a partner had
received to plant sugar beets. An early
frost destroyed the crop. The partner
fled the responsibility and grampa was not willing to declare bankruptcy. Little by little the debt was paid, but it
had been a millstone around his neck for many years.
78 And again, verily I
say unto you, concerning your debts—behold it is my will that you shall pay all
your debts.
Some
debts are necessary. Prayerfully wrestle
with your needs vs. your wants and enter into debt with great caution. Commit
to pay off your debts as soon as possible. Live within your means. Find joy in
the little things.
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