I was busy working on a project yesterday so I would have something for my blog today. But then I checked the mail. First time in more than a week.
Mostly junk mail, and mostly filed in the circular file (the trash). But, there was a check from some paperwork I had to process on behalf of Lizard back in July. I was excited because, for the first time since about July, I had some breathing room. I thanked God before opening the next envelope, which had a refund of $12 from the insurance company for overcharging me for Lizard's hospital stay. Every penny helps, right?
If this is beginning to sound like Jonathan Roumie's miracle, you must be feeling the Spirit.
The next envelope was from the state. They'd made a change to my 2022 taxes. I'd been hit with a big tax bill, plus four years' interest. I went into panic mode. I had no idea where I would get the money.
I had planned to decide if I should sell my house after the one-year anniversary of Lizard's death. Because they say you shouldn't make a decision like that until it's been a year. My first thought when I read the state's letter was I now had no choice. And then I prayed.
I still have a couple of medical bills to pay off. I'm still making payments on my car's surgery. I'm trying to finish the backyard so I CAN sell the house if I need to. The monthly HOA charge is going up. My semi-annual auto insurance is due in two weeks. And, I still haven't received my federal tax refund this year. (They asked me to resubmit my entire package in July because what I sent in April had been damaged.)
I tried to brainstorm how I would pay the tax bill before I accrue even more interest. I could sell one of Lizard's bikes. I've known for a couple of months I will probably need to get at least a part-time job in January, but I don't want to have to give up going to the temple during the week, during the day, and my heart ached as I felt that desire slipping away. I could drain my savings. I could close out a savings account I've held onto for an emergency. I was literally falling to pieces.
As I was typing in my journal late last night, I had a knock on the door. It literally scared the living daylights out of me. I cautiously opened the door and could hear someone running down the street. I could see someone running down the street, but I could not recognize the figure in the dark.
On my porch was a beautiful gift bag with an even more beautiful quilt card on the inside. On the front of the card, it says, "We are each a remarkable thing stitched together by all we have survived." On the inside is a handwritten note: "You've had a lot of stitches this year. Thank you for always shining the Light of Christ." The greeting is not signed. Tucked neatly inside the card was a thick wad of crisp $20 bills.
I have exactly enough money, to the penny, to pay the tax today before any more interest accrues.
When I prayed, Proverbs 3:5 came to mind. For the remainder of the afternoon, I tried as hard as I could to trust in the Lord with all my heart. But I was so worried. After my anonymous angel's visit, I prayed with such gratitude.
God is the only one who knew. Well, except for the state. God knew the exact amount. He really does see the big picture.
