Early this morning we heard the news that Dad's Aunty passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last night. My heart goes out to all his family as she is the first one of ten children to pass away. What a tragic and sad time for them. I only met her once or twice, but death always has a big impact on me, whether I know the person well or not.
Death makes me think long and hard about my life, where I'm heading, how I treat the people around me, and if I am spending my time doing the things that really matter. If I died today would I have regrets? Are their words left unsaid that I should have been bold enough to say? Are their people I love who I've become distant from, who I'd want to know how much I care? The answer is of course yes. I can be so ungrateful and it's so easy to get busy with life and forget how precious every single breath and moment is with those we love. Life should never be taken for granted... and neither should those we love.
And then I think about my life and the purpose of it. Am I living each day for the glory of God? Am I ready to meet my Maker? Thankfully I can say absolutely yes to that question, all because of my wonderful Saviour. I rejoice to think that even on a bad day when I mess up so badly, if I was to die, I would be ready... not because I am holy or righteous or doing the right thing at the right moment, but because the cross of Christ is powerful enough to cover all my failures and present me perfect and righteous before God on that day that I go home. Wow.. our God is so powerful.
But still... I want my life to count for Christ. I don't want these years to be wasted. Death reminds me that this is but a journey and one day (who knows how soon it will be!) I will reach my journey's end. This Pilgrim needs to focus on that final home. Below is a poem written by the famous missionary C. T. Studd. I find it very impacting :)
Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”
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