You might wonder how finding God while doing your taxes is even possible. Taxes create stress, upset, confusion, and sometimes anger. But I say it can be done.
I started putting together my tax documents last week. It took much longer than I anticipated, even though as a self-employed person I keep good records. At first I felt agitated. I had to dig a little deeper than usual to find some items and I needed to contact a few people for forms that had not yet arrived. As soon as I felt my pulse rise, I took a deep breath, said a quick prayer, “Help, Lord!” and moved on to fill in the information I did have.
Within seconds I felt my shoulders relax, my mind clear, and my spirit rest in God. I also felt a surge of gratitude that I had made enough income to even pay taxes. I want to do my part in keeping our highways repaired, our schools running, our teachers and government workers paid, and our Armed Forces protecting our freedom. Paying taxes also means that my life’s work is thriving and I can count on making a living at what I love to do.
As former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. put it: “I like to pay taxes. With them I buy civilization.” And as Paul advises in his letter to the Romans (in the Bible): Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Be inspired with this YouTube video featuring American patriotic music, and it’s possible that even you may be finding God while doing your taxes!
Karen O’Connor is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to Finding God Daily. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com
