Time is Ticking

I celebrated my 61st birthday yesterday and one of the gifts I received from my husband was this clock. The front of it is an old map, but the reason I like it so much is it reminds me of the calling into ministry I received as a young girl. It was a calling to share the gospel to the world. Now I didn't end up as a missionary overseas, but that passion is being used in my role as a missions leader in our church and district. It's being used as Dan and I were church planters and now as we are in an established church. 

I woke up from very weird dreams last night and like a lightning bolt, a memory from my senior year in high school popped into my head. A friend was teasing me and my boyfriend about what we'd be like in the future. When it came to me, he said, "Terri will be reading the Bible to us." I'm not sure why that particular memory arose, but it reminded me that God was guiding my path from a young age. Enough so that other 17 year-olds noticed.

I get distracted from time to time, but I am thankful for this tangible reminder to stay the course. It's now on the wall in my family room where I have my quiet time each day. It reminds me of what's important. 

Time is ticking and I don't want to waste one moment majoring in things that don't matter. I want to be about kingdom work and not fritter away the time.

When I first opened the gift, I thought, "Oh that's nice. A clock." But the more I look at it, the more I love that reminder that time is ticking and there is a world that needs to hear some Good News. 

I'm reminded of the poem by C.T. Studd called, "Only One Life, Twill Soon be Past." C.T. Studd spent his life in dedicated service to the Lord, serving in China, India, and Africa. In 1913 he formed the World Evangelisation Crusade (now WEC International) which operates to this day.  In 1888, he married Priscilla Livingstone Stewart, and they had four daughters and two sons.  She died in 1929, and  C.T, died on July 16, 1931, in Ibambi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past
by C.T. Studd

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.