No Excuses

In his book entitled “No Excuses”, 19 year old Kyle Maynard, born missing limbs below the elbow and below the knee, discusses how his parents encouraged him to grow up with “no excuses” and insisted that he could accomplish whatever he wanted. With great faith and the encouragement of coach and family, Kyle Maynard became an accomplished defensive lineman, champion wrestler, and weight lifter. What’s your excuse?

It is remarkable as we look at a New Year how many reasons we can come up with to avoid accomplishing the goals we have always had for ourselves. We think that because we “have never done that before”, “don’t have the ability”, or “always fail to do it”, we just won’t try. Oh yes, and then there is that “age old” excuse, “I’m just to old.” It’s a good thing not everybody believes that. Thomas Edison produced the telephone when he was 84. Frank Lloyd Wright designed a civic center at age 88. Arthur Rubinstein performed at the piano when he was 94. George Bernard Shaw was writing plays at 91. Grandma Moses was still painting at 100 years of age. Oh and don’t forget Joe Paterno, who at age 82 has just signed a three year contract as head coach at Penn State.

So this year, why don’t we adopt the Nike theme: “Just do it”. Teach that Bible class, volunteer for camp, use your gifts to work in benevolence, volunteer your gift (whatever it is) to the church. And above all, don’t just think about the person you have always wanted to become a Christian. Invite him or her to study with you. Encourage that person to find the Lord and show them what a difference Jesus has made in your life.

You might surprise yourself discovering what can be accomplished when you use “no excuses.”