What If We Lived Each Day...

like we'd just been diagnosed with Terminal Cancer? Knowing that each day might be our last... How would this change the way we lived each day> How would it change our interactions with family, friends, neighbours and strangers?

I'd like to write these thoughts in light of several friends and a couple family members receiving the cancer diagnosis.

Would we say we are too busy to get together with friends and family? Would we say harsh, impatient or unkind words to others?

Would we turn away the little ones requesting that we snuggle or read a book together?

Would we fritter away the hours looking at a computer or television screen?

Would we be focused on acquiring as many material possessions as we can?

Would we be complaining about the weather?

I honestly believe that the answer to all the questions above would be be answered with a definite NO.

We would want to spend our time making memories with our loved ones. Treating each day as a gift from God.

So, why not live like we've received that cancer diagnosis? What's to stop us from living like we don't have many days left?

I'd like to end this with a praise. One family has received encouraging news from the doctor. A couple weeks of radiation and she will be good to go. There are several people that we know who have come through cancer free. I hope they see that each day is still a gift. Time is something that we can never get back. Personally, I pray that the Lord would help me to be a wiser steward of the time He gives me than I have been in the past.

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

-C.T. Studd