I sent tax documents to our accountant before the end of February. I guess it’s not super-early, but my husband and I wanted them organized and out of the house. It’s like that annual doctor’s appointment you know you have to make. Necessary, but always intimidating.
Wouldn’t you know it, one lousy week later we got another tax document in the mail. I thought they were all supposed to be mailed out by the end of January? Argh. Figuring I’d call the accountant’s office after my exercises, I strapped on my ankle weights and started in on the leg lifts.
The phone rings.
Naturally I couldn’t get to it in time. Probably a good thing anyway. It was a ‘robo-call’ from our insurance company. We’re enrolled in insurance through healthcare.gov, but no, it wasn’t Mr. Obama. It was a very nice lady’s voice telling me that the document they sent for use in our return (and proof of insurance) was incorrect. ARGH!!
We checked our Marketplace account for accuracy before sending in our sheaf of paperwork. No red flags. It all looked fine. We knew there might be problems, it was all over the media, but we thought we were good to go. Guess not. Well, I guess that brings our filing progress to a screeching halt. I was told by Robo-lady that we’d have to wait to file until a corrected copy could be generated.
Time to call the accountant. He called back a few hours later, and we spent some time just chatting, catching up. He’s a really friendly guy, and even though I was still annoyed, he put me at ease.
I explained the extra document. “No problem. Just send it to me.”
I explained the health care paperwork error. “You know, you’re in good company. This mix-up is affecting millions of people.”
He’d work on other parts of our return and wait for the corrected government document. As I began to apologize for the delays he would experience because of our predicament, he gently stopped me mid-sentence. Then he said something that really touched me.
“You’re a nurse. So you know all the medical terms and anatomy and medications. That’s fun. But what really gives you satisfaction is being able to help people, right? I’m the same way. Yes, I know the tax codes and laws and forms, and that’s fun for me. But what I really like are the relationships I have with my clients. It’s all about connecting and helping people.”
Wow.
Now maybe there’s a perception that accountants are bean-counting robots. Or mathletes with fancy calculators. But you know, it excites me to no end to find that some are hoping to use their gifts to create community. To create order out of our paper-driven chaos. To help.
God can work through everyone. The grocery clerk, the secretary, the school principal, the accountant; prompting us all to connect and help.
It should always be about that.
Surrounded by the Spirit on Facebook
Ceil: You are so right.We should be helpful to one another.
Hi Cecelia! And do it with a Christ-like spirit too. It was such a lovely moment of connection…I hope I can do that in my life with others as well.
Thursday blessings!
Ceil
I love this! How true that we often have misconceptions about people! How wonderful that God blessed you with such a caring ‘helper’ in an unexpected place! It’s neat to see how much God cares about the small details of our everyday lives!
Much love,
Kamea
Hi Kamea! I think you are so right, how many times do I just jump to a conclusion based on what someone does, not the person inside? I’m sure God was showing me the error in that through my CPA.
Thank you for visiting! Love back 🙂
Ceil
so good to know that God can use each and every one of us in every way:)
Hi Joy! Yes! That is some of the Good News, isn’t it? No matter what we do, we can do it for God and for His people. It’s such a reassurance for me. (And you too!)
Thursday blessings,
Ceil
Isn’t it wonderful when we have people in our lives who are encouraging, even our accountants. 🙂
We have the sweetest Christian for our accountant and I so appreciate her care and concern for our needs.she’s so delicate with us, even when we seem lost about certain issues that arise.
The world would be a prettier place if we all cared one for another.
Great post, Ceil.
Bless you, Debbie
Hi Debbie! Your comment reminds me that we think everyone knows what we know. Just not true. Your CPA is so good to you, and she understands that you are not experts. That is humility, and that is so attractive isn’t it?
I agree that the world would be a better place if there was more love. More love means more presence of Christ 🙂
Thank you for your kind words Debbie. Hope you have a wonderful day,
Ceil
I love this…. 🙂
Hi Mari! Thank you for your supportive comment. I’m so glad you liked what you read.
Thursday blessings,
Ceil
Its awesome when professionals, neighbours, strangers, stop and connect with us.
If it’s any consolation, I too got my tax return in as soon as possible after one receipt was very late. Believe or not, another receipt arrived after I submitted my taxes even though it should have been to me shortly after January’s end. It means I now have to submit an amendment to my return. Argggh, that’s what happens when I work hard to be organized….more work comes in the form of things others didn’t do. I didn’t stress about it but I don’t like it very much. xx
Hi Joyful! I was so impressed by this man’s faith, and easy way he put me at ease. It is such a wonderful ministry, and such a personal one too!
I am sorry for your late paperwork too. I feel your pain, believe me. I guess we need to be tested in patience?
Thursday blessings,
Ceil
I totally dread and hate doing our taxes! Thank God for people who are gifted to do it and actually enjoy it!
Hi Elizabeth! I do too, and I think it’s because I just don’t understand it. Wish I did! But that’s why God has so many people, with so many differing talents. Accounting is not ours!
Have a wonderful afternoon,
Ceil
Yes, God CAN work through everyone! What a joy it is to realize this and celebrate it. In the meantime, hope all your tax troubles are resolved soon, Ceil! Blessings!
Hi Martha! The taxes are filed and paid. Phew!
It was such a joy to see someone actually love their job, and the people he serves. What a witness!
Hope you’re having a great Thursday 🙂
Ceil
Speaking as a fellow bean counter, we’re really not that bad. 😉 lol. Love this post. I was just talking to my husband about how easy it is to get caught up in our own worlds and easily miss taking the time to step into someone else’s–even if it’s just through an email, text, or note of encouragement. It’s amazing how those little ways of letting someone know we’re their for them can make such a huge impact. That’s really what it’s all about. Life is nowhere as fulfilling without serving others.
Hi Crystal! Amen, Sister CPA!! It takes just a little kindness to make someone’s day. Share some encouragement, a smile, a word of sympathy. That is what life’s about!
How fun that you were thinking along the same lines lately.
Hope you had a great day,
Ceil
Thanks to Obamacare using what I believe to be a very faulty system we lost $700 with the click of a computer button. (My wife retired in May of last year after working at the BMV. Insurance paid for through her pay. We apply for insurance and when we do our taxes they go all the way back to January to include her income. Not right but we pay the price). Unfortunately, there was no mistake. But I like your tax person’s idea of relationships.
Hi Bill! I am very aware of the law’s crazy thinking. And it took months to even get on the rolls at healthcare.gov. If my husband was employed, it never would have happened. (Well, if he were employed, we wouldn’t need it either.)
A friend of mine is barely making it financially, but was denied because she made too much money, which was baffling to her.
I am so sorry about your experience, I really am. Health care is such a luxury these days. I never thought we’d be in this situation, not in a million years. I’m sure you feel the same.
At least my CPA showed me what using your gifts is all about!
Blessings,
Ceil
Good lesson and reminder. Everyone we meet loves something and has lost something and is a child of God. I love how you heard the deeper side to your accountants even with all your frustrations and taxes and paperwork certainly can give us frustrations.
Hi Jean! (Happy Vaca too!!) I like your second sentence. We are all so much more than just another face in the crowd. We have so much depth of experience and faith too. I sure didn’t expect my accountant to help me so peacefully, and then to witness to his ministry!
All a memory now, thank goodness. Taxes filed and paid. Phew!
Happy days to you my friend,
Ceil
What a sweet and gentle reminder from our dear Lord that we are never alone. He always sends encouragement, comfort, and reassurance when we need it the most, and often from the most unlikely sources. So thankful He sent you this sweet whisper of His love to let you know everything will be okay, and you are not alone. 🙂 Praying for you and trusting you are continuing to heal.
Hi Cheryl! Thank you for your prayers for me. If you like, you can connect over to my Facebook page and see a photo of me and my physical therapist. My last PT appointment was this week. I am officially on my own! It will take a while to get back 100%, but it’s a great step forward.
Thank you for your encouraging comments too 🙂
Ceil
I am a retired bean counter and YES—I loved my clients–they were family in a way. At a minimum I had an annual review of their lives and all that had happened that year. At times I felt like a therapist. When you share you financial information, and know it is kept private, you feel free to share all the other as well. My mathematical abilities were a gift from God, my use of them while doing the best job possible for my clients was my gift of service. It was nice to be paid for my efforts, but the real reward was in the relationships established over the years. You are correct God can work through anyone–if we are willing for Him to use us!
Blessings, Friend!
Hi Lulu! I didn’t know that! I bet you were just the best too, so sensitive and caring. I’m sure you did feel like a therapist, money is such an important and revealing thing to talk about. Your retirement must have caused a few tears!
You continue to touch others through your blog, and I get to benefit from that. You are still being the voice of Love!
Blessings,
Ceil
It is always so refreshing when we do run across someone who goes out of their way to be extra helpful and courteous when we are in the midst of a crisis or chaos. It reminds me that I need to extend the same courtesy whenever I can…and try to help carry the load instead of add to it. This was a great reminder for all of us to be more Christlike in everything we do, and the world will be a lot better place for all…including ourselves! Thank you for this wonderful reminder and great post.
Hi Pam! Thank you for taking this a step further and pointing out how I can be inspired in this situation, but should also be pushed to do the same.
I may not be a CPA, but in my life there are plenty of times when I’m approached with confusion, sad stories of life, need, want. How do I respond? With whatever I have, I should speak with love. Look beyond the problem to the person. Great point!
Have a peaceful evening,
Ceil
What a great story! The fulfilling life is one that helps people and it is neat when you can do your job and do both!
Hi Jerralea! I hope that we can both live that fulfilling life too!
Love your recipe series, what a great idea 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
It’s so good to have good people helping.
Your post brought a smile ..
Wishing you a lovely rest of the day , Ceil .
Hi Margie! I’m so glad it did! And I would rather be taken care of by someone who loves what they do, than someone who just taking up space.
I hope I’m never ‘that person’. I want to feel like I’m on a mission!
It was a great day my friend. Hope it was for you too 🙂
Ceil
Ceil, pure truth here! So thankful that we each have gifts to service Him! Thankful also you have a “human” accountant! 🙂 Blessings to you today, friend!
Hi Ellen! Yes! We all have gifts to offer, and when we do it with love and attention, we do it like Christ. I have a very human accountant, and one who likes his job!
Hope you have a restful night, blessings to you too!
Ceil
We can be very good at something but still not be ministering to others. It’s people like your accountant who show us the right attitude with which we should approach our gifts. What a blessing!
Hi Pam! That’s a really good point. If we don’t love when we serve, we’re just chewing gum. Going through the motions. I like that observation, thank you 🙂
I am so thankful for our CPA. He’s a good guy!
Happy weekend my friend,
Ceil
I often get fed up with people in authority sending all type of documents written in gobbledeegook. This year I’ve received numerous tax returns for some reason.
Let me teach you a neat little trick. You know that on most documents and forms you fill in, there is always a space where it says “DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE”. This is for the people who send the forms to you to make their own comments after they receive your return.
Here’s what I do. I dip my finger in soft butter and carefully smear it on that space. When it dries up, they too cannot write in that space. So there!
Today I had a silly long winded phone call from our phone company wanting to discuss changes of terms to our contract. I said, more than once, I will not discuss terms on the phone. Let them write to me so I can compare service and prices before agreeing. The woman on the phone kept talking as if she was a parrott with diarrhoea.
So to stop her I just dropped the phone receiver in the nearby fish tank and left.
Now we need a new phone – and the family blames MEEEE !!! (It’s always my fault it seems).
Have a happy day. God bless.
Hi Victor! You have a lot of devious ways my friend!
Remind me not to ever get on your ‘bad side’!! But seriously, all the forms and sales calls do make me crazy at times. I know it’s a part of life, but yuck! Not my favorite part, that’s for sure.
At least I had one pleasant experience with my CPA. No wonder I appreciated it so much 🙂
Blessings for a great weekend,
Ceil
For sure, your accountant said it all. Life’s about relationships. Connecting with other souls. Loving well.
In the end, nothing else will matter …
Thanks for this gentle reminder, Ceil. I always learn something every time I visit. Always.
Weekend’s refreshing rest to you, friend …
Hi Linda! I’m sure you can relate to his response, I know you must feel the same way about your clients. Having a loving, trusted soul to guide me when I don’t know what I’m doing is so calming…
I hope you have a wonderful weekend too! We’re off to see my nephew in his high school play tonight. It’s “Mary Poppins”. Should be fun!
Blessings,
Ceil
So true – God can work through anyone. So grateful for those who use their skills (accounting and otherwise) to truly help others. I was self employed for many years and managed somehow to do our own taxes but there were many tension headaches involved in the process! That is one part of losing my career that I do not miss : )
Hi Mindy!! I’m impressed that you did them yourself for so long. Wow! I would NEVER even attempt it. I’m so bad with numbers, it’s just not my gift at all. Well, at least the memory serves as a thanksgiving for you right?
Hope you’ll have a wonderful weekend my friend. May the sun shine 🙂
Ceil
Hi Ceil, what amazing imagery of the importance of using our gifts to the benefit of others. When a person is doing what they were designed by God to do, it shows! Using our God-given gifts and talents blesses others and ourselves. It’s wonderful to be in place where work has meaning beyond the paycheck. Working for the sake of working and for no other purpose is beyond self-defeating. Been there…
Have a blessed weekend!
Hi Kim! I like the point that working for yourself is self-defeating. Not self employment, but working only to pad your bank account. I think we’ve all been served by people to work like that. They are so disinterested in their clients!
I’m sure that was never your goal. We know that we want to serve God and his people. Just like my CPA!
Weekend blessings Kim 🙂
Ceil
Yes, it is about creating connections as we do life together! And giving of ourselves, our gifts and talents kindly. Sometimes we may not think being kind, asking how the waiter or receptionist is means a lot, but it can change someone’s entire day.
Hi Lynn! I think that’s a great image, ‘creating connections’. We are all here together for each other, so why not reach out in kindness?
We have the power to influence people for the good. What a gift! And you came here today to encourage me, and I appreciate that so much.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
Isn’t it lovely when, at times of frustration, your problems are being dealt with by a helpful and kind person. It is something that brings peace into your situation and you feel you are not dealing with it on your own. I love the right person being in the job.
You sound like a very kind person from what I read and I believe we get back in life what we give out.
Hi Brenda! It sure is. I was so blessed by his comment, I told him later I was going to write about it. In a way, it’s kind of sad that such kindness is as striking as it is. Wouldn’t it be great if we all experienced the love of God through each other more often?
I have my moments being kind. I’m as weighted down by myself as the next person. But I thank you for your encouraging comment. Bless you!
Happy Weekend 🙂
Ceil
Good grief, couldn’t you just weep? But you found a bright spot among the aggravation, and good for you! My son-in-law is an accountant and about the sweetest – and -smartest – guy you will ever meet; and he takes that same approach. Thanks goodness for numbers guys with good hearts.
Hi Marsha! I bet you are so proud of your SIL. Your daughter is a blessed woman! It’s so refreshing to meet people who know they are on this earth to serve, not just be served.
Yes, sometimes I could just weep…it gets frustrating doesn’t it?
Weekend blessings,
Ceil
No one is too small in working for the kingdom of God. 🙂
We all have our roles to play.
Happy Sunday!
Hi Lux! Amen! I hope I never forget that wise fact. We all have a place and role in the Kingdom.
Happy Sunday to you!
Ceil
You’ve got a pot of gold with your tax guy! Ours has saved us a lot of stress.
Hi Ginny! No pun intended either, right? Lol!
I’m glad you’ve found a reputable person too. What a blessing it is when people use their talents with others in mind.
Happy Sunday 🙂
Ceil
I’m so sorry to hear your tax paper delays and the problems with you health.gov. (We have tried to avoid it like the plague…joined that Samaritan health organization instead.)
At any rate, what a relief, especially in this day and age, to know there are those who really do care and want to help. What a sense of relief. Hang in there! Hope things have a smoother transaction in the future!
Hi Patty! Yes, it was quite a mess. So much stress over it too. Yuck. I hope your health organization works out well for you! We surely do need coverage.
It was wonderful to have a friendly face, and a person who really wanted to help… God sent him to us, I know that.
Thanks for visiting 🙂
Ceil