My 2012 tax return is filed, and I finally got up the courage to ask my tax professional if I could get rid of some of the old records in my cabinet. She said anything before tax year 2006 could go. So, I spent a good share of Sunday night shredding and shedding files from 2004 and 2005.
They were tumultuous times in my life… the year I left my husband and moved to the 
Washington, DC, area. The year I filed for Chapter 13 personal bankruptcy and learned that I’d be repaying nearly $110,000 in the next three years. Those were a couple of contentious years of tax filing, the years before we divorced in 2006.
But there were beautiful times as well. 2005 was the first year I taught at the St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference, the place I met some of my most treasured friends. It was there that Virelle Kidder prayed over me on my forty-ninth birthday, and I started thinking that maybe, just maybe, God still wanted a relationship with me after decades of me pushing Him away. As I looked at copies of client checks from those years, I was humbled by the number who have gone on to publishing success… and who are still clients today or who have sent me other clients.
I’m happy to have the additional room in my file cabinet. But I’m happier to realize that no amount of shredding and shedding will take away the lessons–and love–those years taught me.
2005 was the first year I attended St. Davids, also. I recall taking one of your classes. I don’t remember what subject you spoke on — something to do with editing — but you made a positive impression upon me. I was such a newbie writer back then, and you took the time to help me. I never imagined at the time that we’d become friends, but I’m glad we did!
Me too, Angie!!