Paid in Full

 In February of 2012 we needed a new roof on our house and we also needed to install a new septic tank and drainfield. Both were going to cost a bundle of money and I wasn't sure how to find the cash to pay for both in the same year. A loan from our savings and investment took care of the septic but how to pay the $5000 for the new roof was yet to be determined.

  I spoke to my dad and asked if we could borrow it from him. He agreed and I had the check in hand a few days later. The work was completed and I was able to pay the contractor. I started paying off the loan to my dad. Each paycheck I set aside some money to repay the loan as soon as possible. I had paid $1000 of it back but noticed that my checks were not being cashed. The day before my birthday, Dad gave me a card and told me not to open it until the next day. Okay. Not a problem. I put it in my bag and didn't think about it anymore. The next morning, my birthday, I remembered that card only because of his words to not open it until my birthday. I got out of bed and got it. I opened it and found two uncashed checks with a note that said, "Your loan for the house roof is Paid in Full. Love Dad." Tears began to flow. Such a generous gift! Then I thought about it deeper. My Father in Heaven loves me so much that he forgives me of my sins. He loves me so much that He gave His son for me. Jesus Christ has purchased me. I am His. He has "paid in full" the price for my sins. In turn I just need to accept and follow Him. I owe Him so much and can never get out of His debt. Elder Gong said it best when he said, "Jesus Christ paid a debt He didn't owe because we owed a debt we couldn't pay." I don't think my Dad ever thought that his gift to me would be so priceless. It was so precious because of how it brought me closer to my Savior. Ten little words and a father's love. I will remember this gift forever!

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