April 15, 2016

April 15 is traditionally Tax Day in America, although I am aware that the IRS gave us some extra time this year because of a holiday in Washington, D.C. And while I know that this is a painful day for people who see some of those dollars going for things they do not approve of or understand, I have been pondering the blessings of this event and this day.

Paying taxes means we have income – from employment, investments or other resources. If we had no money coming in, we would not be paying taxes. There are many people who would be delighted to pay taxes today if they had the benefits we are enjoying.

While some people choose private schools, most of the population today is educated in tax-funded institutions. Funding proposals appear periodically on our local ballot. And we have an amazing library system that is also funded by our tax dollars.

I do not want to think about life without those committed people in the fire and rescue professions who are just minutes away when we call them. And law enforcement! I am grateful every time I see their vehicles. Those people risk their lives to protect us when we are not even aware that we are in danger.

I have a friend who does our taxes in a professional and timely manner. I do not understand much of the process, but I trust his work and I have confidence that we have integrity in this area of our life on Tax Day.

There is also a very personal and precious reason for April 15 being a day of gratefulness for me. On this day 103 years ago, Carol’s mother was born. Her impact on my life, and on our family, is beyond measure. There are no Tax Day concerns that can take away the joy I feel when I remember her.

Thanks for pondering your list of grateful thoughts on this Tax Day.

Pastor Bill Ehmann