Tax Deadline - Relationship Deadline

In addition to having been in ministry, my husband is also a CPA.  Each year as the tax deadline approaches, we typically get several calls from those needing his help.  They readily admit they are stuck, don’t know how to fill out their form, or want his opinion to confirm they did it correctly.  Usually he can help and they are relieved knowing it is completed and sent in on time.

Rarely do these individuals hesitate to call and ask for help when they need it.  Rarely do they complain or resist his minimal fees for doing their taxes.  It got me thinking…I wish calling, asking, paying were this easy when we need help in our relationships! 

It is often difficult to ask for help when we are struggling with our marriages, friendships, or parenting skills.  I get stuck thinking, “I should be able to handle this!”  But sometimes I don’t know how to handle it and I usually wait too long to ask for help.  I am getting better though.  Like taxes maybe it would work to have a due date for marriages too.  By April 15^th every year we have to have our review of our relationship report done and turned into someone???

As a wife and a therapist I can attest to the fact that getting help sooner in the struggle or strain is way more effective than waiting and hoping it somehow will take care of itself.  The intervention, advice and outcome go much better and rarely do we regret it even if we have to pay money.