We live in a small town. Our family has been here for generations. They made great contributions to the foundation of this county. They farmed, worked in local industries, and helped build this little place we love to complain about but wouldn’t live anywhere else.

There are stories passed down from generation to generation of how we have lived and worked over the years. Mom and I share these stories with the boys when we’re driving around the county and see landmarks that are important to us.

My mom grew up in Lovingston. She worked at the old movie theater, Kilmartin’s Drugstore, and helped Miss Ruth deliver newspapers. Her grandfather built a house and had property in 1906 that is now Lovingston Winery. She has a million stories.

My dad’s family has similar memories.

Yesterday, as Jay and I were driving through town, we were talking about the wonderful folks that live at the Town Creek Apartments that come to our church. I mentioned to him that the building used to be a long-term care facility and that my mom was the first employee they had. I also told him that I had my first job there in the kitchen when I was 16, and that I also worked there as Social Services Director later on in life.

He said, “You know something? You and Trish have done all this cool stuff, and y’all tell us about it, but not a lot of people remember. And one day, no one will remember.”

And you know what? He’s right. Each one of us has a history that’s not recorded anywhere but the pages of our minds. Lives lived, accomplishments done, degrees earned, property owned, jobs worked, and families created.

I’ve played sports. I’ve graduated from high school. I’ve graduated from college. I’ve gone to graduate school. I’ve worked in several jobs over the years. And even though I’m disabled now, I’ve accomplished things in my life.

But those things belong to the world. And one day, no one will remember me or those things.

But there are things that we do that will last. They aren’t written in the history books. We don’t get a diploma, a participation trophy, or an employee of the month certificate for doing them. More than likely, no one will remember them here on earth, and that’s okay.

When we live for Christ, those things are the only things that matter. The things we do for Christ are eternal. We do them in love and obedience, and He gets all the glory.

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