Co-worker - "Only One Life"

I was reminded today of the brevity of life.  I found out this morning that a co-worker of mine passed away yesterday afternoon.  I'm shocked.  She was only in her 40's and she just found out last week that she had leukemia and went out on disability.  It just seems to have happened so fast.  I had been waiting to hear what hospital she was in so I could send her a card (she's in another state) and was praying that God would give me the words and the verses to share with her in that card so that I could be a witness to her.  Now it's too late!  The saying "Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last" came to my mind.  I had to look up the poem.  I didn't realize it had so many stanzas.  The whole poem is a good reminder of what we should be doing with our lives while we are here on this earth.  

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 Judgment 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.

poem written by C.T. Studd – missionary