Death and Taxes

Death and Taxes are inevitable. (Thomas Chandler Haliburton–1796-1865)

While most people today are fixated on the latter (it being April 15th), I have been involved in the former. The church is preparing for a funeral tomorrow; I had an older lady and her son in my office earlier grieving – her husband of many years will probably pass away within the next 24 hours;  I just received a report about my good friend who was having surgery today – he had a heart attack while having the surgery (the doctors are consulting with his wife now).

I hope you have prepared for your taxes this year. More importantly, I hope you are prepared for when life ends:

• That all your important personal relationships are good and you have no unresolved issues (as far as you are able)
• That you have a will, and your final wishes laid out (funeral plans, burying spot, etc.)
• That you have no regrets
• That you enjoy life now

My position as a pastor brings me face to face with death on a regular basis. I guess it is ironic that on a national tax day my day has been so focused on death. And yet it is a good reminder to keep things in the right perspective.

I hope your day has been good. Keep the faith.