After all the festivities, laughter, and gift giving of the holidays, giggles and grins quickly meld into groans and glowers as Income Tax Preparation Season rears its ugly face.
From January 15th until April 15th, Americans fuss and fume about our ever increasing income taxes.
Nevertheless, in an odd sort of way, some must enjoy the gloom since they will file for an extension, prolonging the agony of the inevitable.
To avoid the headache of the season, proceed with caution and a lot of faith.
Quotes of encouragement can help too, if you send them in the previous year as part of your business or ministry.
Do I smell tax deduction in any of this? Of course, that's what we're all looking for, but there is a line of legitimacy that has been drawn and must be heeded.
It's a fine line, and for some it seems non-existent or at least very blurred.
But I'm not about to tackle the issue of tax evasion and those who get away with it.
That's a different colored horse.
Facts remain facts.
There will always be those who can worm their way out of their obligation of contributing to this great nation's economic system.
My purpose is to encourage you to do the right thing and to return your giggles and grins as soon as possible.
The first thing I think of when I prepare my taxes is my commode.
Yes, that's right.
My indoor privy that flushes, keeping my environment sanitary.
No small matter in my book.
It is our tax dollars that provide this commodity.
One I am extremely thankful for.
Seriously, I've spent time at the hunting cabin where the necessities are outside.
I held my breath, in part because of the obvious, but mostly in hopes that the dilapidated building didn't topple over at a sneeze or any other fulmination.
It has been replaced, but it's still outside and very cold in the winter.
Second, I think of the overpopulated jails around the country.
Adding my face to their numbers would only multiply the tax burden on someone else.
However, I do understand if some choose to go this route through tax evasion.
Prisoners, in some facilities, have good perks after all -three square meals a day, access to a world of law books, weight rooms.
I have to work my fingers to the bone and still can't afford to go to a health spa.
Third, I think of my parents.
They threw a party the day I left home.
They called it a wedding, but I knew all along that it was a celebration of their freedom.
They do not want me back, at least not the financial burden of child and husband.
So I work diligently on my tax return, perhaps not with a smile on my face, but with the satisfaction of doing the right thing.
For those who are not convinced that they can prepare and pay in more than they imagined here are a few quotes of encouragement to keep up your spirits.
1) Honesty is the best policy.
I think Abraham Lincoln said that.
If he didn't I'm sure he thought it.
He was as smart as he was tall.
2) America-the land of the free and home of the brave.
I have no clue who said it, but I know that the free was not referring to the government owes us a living.
3) Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.
C.
T.
Boom.
C.
T.
Boom was as smart as Abe Lincoln.
Why drain your strength today over fretting about the taxes you may owe on April 15th.
File your return on time, be proud you're an American, honor your parents, serve God, enjoy life, plant a small kitchen garden, and let freedom ring.