The trip to do taxes

I have been blessed with a grandmother that is a tax preparer.  And not just any tax preparer, an EXCELLENT tax preparer.  She used to own her own H&R Block store, and has been doing taxes as long as I can remember.  She volunteers 1-2 days a week at the local senior center doing their taxes and still works a few days a week at HRB.  The last few years haven't allowed us to go see her in person for our tax prep, but this year I was determined to go see her.  We technically own 3 businesses, a farm, and our personal stuff, so taxes are a little complicated.  (businesses: photography, soap, and a rental house, for those that are curious).  So Friday morning, I loaded up the kiddos and we headed out to Springfield, a 5 hour drive.  We stopped at my parents' house to say hello and eat and stretch our legs, and we made it to Grandma's a little after dinner.  We spent the evening reminiscing and talking about farm plans, and I watched the sparkle in her eye as she fondly remembered her days living on the farm.  We got up the next morning, went to breakfast, "Strawberry's" as R calls it, and went to get to work on the taxes.  It took a long time.  A long time in a small office with two squirmy kids.  My sister and brother-in-law came up yesterday as well, and played with the kids while I was answering all those questions.  What a blessing that was.  My grandmother worked her magic, making sure we got every last penny that was due to us.  We (or maybe just me) were pleasantly surprised at our refund and are making plans with our 'pocket-find' money.

But, all that driving gave me plenty of time to think.  Thinking about Lent, thinking about being intentional, thinking about raising my family in a Godly way.  Thinking about my dear, sweet grandmother who spent most of her day off doing taxes for her family.

It made me think about when we go to God with our 'problems.'  I mean, He's the expert, right?  So we take this mental and spiritual journey to seek him out.  I think He loves to help us with our problems.  They are so simple to Him.  Just like taxes are for my grandmother.  But you know what he really likes?  He likes to just sit and talk with us about life.  He wants the relationship.  He wants to hear about the everyday anecdotes of our lives, and He wants us to ask him about His thoughts and plans for us too.

I am blessed with a daughter that loves her family unconditionally.  If we tell her that someone is family, then they are part of the club.  She doesn't get to see my grandmother very often, but the first thing she did when she walked in the door was pull a book from her bag and climb up in her lap.  It was really special to watch their relationship pick up right where it left off.  R was so sad to leave after such a short visit, and sometimes I think that maybe I don't feel that way enough with God.  I'm not exactly lingering at his feet, waiting to hear another story.

But, all that time to think gave me some perspective.  I've started to re-prioritize my life and my roles.  So, maybe this time that I've spent with my God, letting him work out my problems has reminded me of how much I enjoy lingering in his lap.