The end of the year brings about an interesting dynamic in the world of finance. It is the beginning of a process of reflecting, recognizing reality, & planning for the future. Here at Overman & Parks, we are busy meeting with clients to discuss where their businesses & personal finances are, how it appears that those things will close out the year, & what that means for their tax & financial future.
This all begins with a look back. Clients update & reconcile their accounts. They project what their income will be at year’s end by looking at what they have already made. This gives an objective view of – not what they imagine – but of what really is. As our team gives a fair & objective perspective, clients are able to make plans for the future. The truths are not always what we want to hear, but they are always what we need to hear. Seeing & owning an actual financial position allows them to have hope for their present financial needs & future financial security. This is grounded reality instead of wishful thinking.
At the end of the year, we also celebrate Christmas. This time brings an interesting dynamic to the world as well – to all of it! We would do well to practice some of our financial disciplines as they pertain to the eternal matters of life & well-being. Think about it – Christmas allows us to:
• Reflect – When we look back on ourselves – who we are without God – we have so many needs. As we look at what God declares about who we are (image-bearers) & where we went wrong (self-sovereign rebels), we see what we need (a Rescuer!).
• Recalibrate – While we are in desperate need, we are not without Hope. God promises that Rescuer from the very start (go read Genesis 3:15…). We can’t do it ourselves, but there is Someone who can.
• Recognize – “When the fulness of time had come, God sent forth His Son…” (Gal. 4:4). We call that time ‘Christmas.’ Jesus’ birth is not just a sweet story, it is a salvation story – a story of rescue for all who believe.
• Respond – It’s pretty simple – “…whoever believes (that is, trusts, rests, depends upon) in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
There’s hope for your finances – reflect, get real, & make a plan. There’s even more hope for your forever – see your need, get a grip on what’s real about the Christ of Christmas, & trust Him with today, with next year, & with your ‘ever after.’
