Happy ... Day!

Yesterday I did my taxes and I had a … well, before I continue that statement, I must warn you. When you read it you’ll likely think I’ve gone senile or I need to be admitted to a lovely place with streams, flowers and private rooms with 7 locks. So, prepare yourself and let me begin again. Yesterday I did my taxes and I had a smile on my face the whole time. Why, you ask with horror? Because I love and celebrate Tax Day every year!!! Oh, I didn’t get money back; I had to pay, but still I smiled. Now, put your hackles down. It has nothing to do with political reasons. Nope. It’s because exactly 20 years ago God did a miracle in my life.

Growing up I was never taught about finances. I got an allowance, but that was it. No mentoring in budgeting or reviewing bank statements. I was just a cute kid whose parents, although not rich by any means, just let their daughter live a happy, money-brainless life. So when I got married, my former husband, Steve, took the responsibility of our finances. And along the way he taught and encouraged me to live wisely on a budget.

When our marriage ended I had enough money to purchase a place to live. Which was so exciting and terrifying all at once. I soon learned that there was a lot I didn’t know. Setting up garbage pick up, electrical and gas billing. Insurance. And…here it comes. Escrow. When asked if I wanted to put money in it, I said no. I didn’t know what the word meant so being the pretty thing that I was I turned it down. I did work hard, however, to keep money in savings for those property taxes and unforeseen needs and emergencies. But, as often happens, I had to dip into that money. Which led to one of the worst days of living on my own (with my 2 kids). The day when the bill for my property taxes arrived. $2,933.76. Money which I did not have. Not even close. So you can imagine the panic that suddenly ensued and kept on going. Pretty soon September 15 was looming and I didn’t have the money.

September 11 came. No checks in the mail, but more bills.

September 12. Nothing.

That night I laid on my bedroom floor with my headphones and listened to worship. Trying to relax and trust God to help me. After some time I sensed God telling me to get up, write all my upcoming expenses on a piece of paper and tape above my desk. Not exactly faith-building as I looked at the list, but I did it anyway.

I tried not to cry and certainly worked at not worrying my kids, but it was excruciating. My panic was overwhelming. I didn’t have the money and I had no way of getting it. I added up what was in my checking and in my savings, but it fell far, far short. 

During this time I had a court date. I had failed to put the sticker on my car’s license plate (another lesson) so I had to go to court to prove that I had the sticker in order not to pay the fine. But, of course, I still had to pay the fine PLUS the court costs. I was a mess. I cried from the court to my car to my home. My mind started going into overdrive. What should I sell? Should I send the kids to live with Steve? Would I get arrested if I failed to pay when the taxes were due? My breathing became erratic and my sleep nonexistent.

September 15. Doomsday! 

I walked, once again, unsteadily to the mailbox. I grabbed the mail and slowly walked back, and shuffled up to my bedroom with dread. With shaking hands I looked at each piece of mail and prayed as I went. The last piece I looked at was from Willow Creek Community Church. It looked like a flyer or a newsletter.

I opened it and there inside the envelope was a check for $3440.00. $3440.00!!! A royalty check for dramas that I had written for Willow. I just began sobbing. So loudly that Dugan ran from downstairs to see what was wrong. I showed him the check and in between sobs told him what it meant. I just fell to the floor and cried with abandon. After I got myself under control, I wrote my own check, headed to the post office and with my envelope held high, smiling, I said to every single person that I saw, “Happy Tax Day!!!” And, yes, the response was just like you’re imaging.

The next day I received another check in the mail. This one for a sketch that I simply edited for a pastor. I invoiced $50 but he sent a check for $150.00!!!

To this day I get goosebumps when I think about all that God did for me in that moment. I’m sure his compassion was working overtime, as he patted my head, saying over and over, “Oh poor sweet naive Sharon. Don’t worry, honey. I’m going to take care of this one.” 

So I celebrate Tax Day! Quietly so as not to worry or enrage people. But it’s a day that I will always remember with joy. The day God came to my rescue and provided exceedingly abundantly more than I could have ever asked or imagined!!!

So, I end with this. Happy Tax Day!!!!