No more Excuses

In 1979, my parents moved to Virginia where my dad would begin his preaching career. This congregation was a new church plant, which came with both challenges and opportunities. When they arrived, they met a man named Tom Jones. At the age of 60, Tom became a Christian by following the gospel. He had believed in God, served in the community, and even attended worship services. After studying the Bible, he learned that he needed to be baptized for the forgiveness of his sins and to be added to the Lord’s church. From that time on, he served the local congregation with his whole being. 

“My” Tom Jones was also a singer, though not famous to anyone other than our church family. He jumped into leading singing. One week, he approached my mom and asked if she knew a particular song and she said she did not know that one. He declared, “We’re going to learn it!” So they did. Every time I hear or sing the song, I think of him. Sometimes, we get so used to what we’re singing that we don’t pay attention to the words. When I read the words of this song, it’s a promise and a way of life. The song is “I Love the Lord.” You can hear it here. 

Tom Jones was diabetic and legally blind, yet he did not make excuses to avoid serving. In spite of his limitations, he created beautiful things through carpentry. Legally blind, so he worked from a pattern in his mind. He and my dad made an amazing cabinet (it’s called the Tom Jones cabinet) that now sits in my schoolroom. It’s held everything from toys and stuffed animals to school and craft supplies, batteries, and extension cords, and even served as a pantry and bookshelf. It’s been in three states, eight houses, and two storage facilities. He also made my cradle, which is now overflowing with my daughter’s stuffed animals. He didn’t let what he couldn’t do get in his way. You can wait forever for the perfect time, or you can take action. 

As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Another version of this post is also published on the Wavemakers Life Blog.