Believe it or not, I have just finished getting my taxes done. Every year since I started ministry I have used a gentlemen – and now his son – in Lincoln Illinois at H&R Block. They are experts on clergy taxes and make sure I do everything properly. I used to drive there every year and have them done personally, and now I handle everything over the internet.
I am writing this not to tell you about my life, I am writing because I was reminded of the large sign that hangs behind the desk of my tax accountant. It reads:

“A lack of planning on your part, does not constitute an emergency on my part.”

How often I have received calls where the person didn’t act until it was an emergency? I have thought of those words many times my life. In fact, for the last 10 years or so I have used a variation of that statement in ministry. I tell people:

“Just because it feels like an emergency to you, doesn’t make it an emergency to me.”

Both of these statements have proven true to me over and over again. People often fail to plan or think things through and then they want me (or someone else) to help them … immediately. I have found that if you plan and prepare there are only a few emergencies in life.

Happy Monday and Happy Tax Season:-)