The One Thing that really doesn't Change

Taxes? Is this one of the things that doesn't change? Well, we know from much of the political campaigning that we hear, that approximately 50% of people pay no "taxes" at all. And, the taxes we do pay does change from time to time. But even the 50% of those not paying taxes do pay taxes because what the political campaigners are referring to is the Federal Income tax. Unless, you are a true homeless person on a true cash basis and never buys anything in a store, you do pay sales tax and other taxes (often called fees) for driving licenses and other similar privileges. So, yes, it is fair to say that taxes are a certainty, even as they change every year.

Death? This is the other thing we hear of that is sure. But, while death is certain, it is certainly different as time goes on. People are living longer and the persistent march toward death takes longer with life sustaining drugs and medical care.

When we look back in history we see that this adage about the certainty of death and taxes is true. During the time of the Roman Empire, the  primary charge of the Roman Army was to keep the peace and to see that taxes were collected. The longer people lived, the more taxes could be paid. I have recently completed my second book, Turning North. It takes place in the 8th century, during the time of Charlemagne when the Frankish Empire had replaced the Romans.During this time, death and taxes continued to be a certainty.

However, there is one thing that is even more certain than death and taxes. It is change  itself. We can see that we always seem to have death and taxes, but the nature and the details of them change. So, as we go into the next year, the one thing that we should be prepared for is change. Be ready for it. It is our natural desire to resist those things that we have already adjusted to. And, when we need to make another adjustment, it makes us mad. My advice, learn to welcome change. God's plan for us will be the ultimate outcome for us. This does not mean we shouldn't plan for the future, but it does mean that we should remain flexible in our plans, because as sure as we will proceed toward death and taxes will be a certainty, we can rely most heavily on the notion that whatever plans we have made, a change will occur.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year