Fishing for Taxes

      When I was growing up, I don't remember my parents mentioning much about taxes. The first time I filed taxes, I was 16 years old.  I had earned enough to meet the requirements to file.  I was so excited to be a tax-paying citizen.  Now, 20 years later, I'm not as excited.  We are still waiting on our state tax refund due to a missing form.  Trying to call them to verify that they have received this form is a nightmare!  They don't accept your call if there are too many people calling.  The answering service says that this is to ensure that when you get through, you do not have long wait times. However, we haven't been able to get through in a week.  Oh well, at least we filed.  I was thinking of a verse where Jesus tells people that they must pay unto Caesar what is Caesar's and pay unto God what is God's.  I was trying to find the specific verse and came across another passage where Jesus paid the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27).  In this passage he instructs Simon to cast a hook in the sea and the first fish he catches will have money in its mouth.  He instructs Simon to then give that money to the temple for their tax. 
      Imagine that Peter and Jesus are standing around talking and then tax collectors come up to Peter and asked if Jesus was going to pay temple tax.  Peter replies "yes" but, then hesitates because he wasn't sure how or if he should be exempt because he was Lord.  I can imagine the moment of anxiety that Peter felt when he was unsure if he had replied wrongly.  Would he have been responsible for paying Jesus' tax? Then, sitting in a house, Jesus tells Peter to go fishing.  I'm sure it was nothing like today but, I can only imagine Peter getting up and making his way to the water.  He would grab his pole; cast the line, and then TADA!!! Here is a fish on the hook and low and behold, there is money in its mouth.  Can you see other fishermen becoming instantly annoyed as this man simply cast his line and catches a fish without any hesitation?  If I know anything about fishing is that catching a fish takes patience and strategy.  Anyway, so then, did he take the money out and throw the fish back?  Gives a whole new perspective to catch and release.  Then, Peter walked back to the house where Jesus and the tax collectors were, and gave them their money.  Who knew a sea could be an ATM!!! 
         I suppose that on this day, tax day, we should delay our duty no longer, and pay the collectors.  It is owed to them, just as we owe God for his blessings on our life.  As we patiently await our refund, I must remind myself that the money we are waiting on will not save us from drowning in a sea of debt.  Therefore, may my day be filled with gladness and appreciation for what God has given me!