One Big Tree Revisited

As most know, and evidenced by our Alabama home, Brenda and I love trees.  I have written a coupel of past posts, and even posted a picture of the baobab tree below, but it bears repeating.

When Andrew and Kelly visited, we had a good opportunity to make a return visit to this huge tree in Kazungula.

It is clearly enormous.  I hadn't thought about this, but Andrew, who rock climbs, used some of his skills to climb this tree.

I don't think he was first to do this, as someone had hammered in some spikes of the type used in mountain climbing.  I have acrophobia, so I was scared just watching Andrew climb.

Though Andrew climbed the tree, he did not conquer the tree.  That tree has seen a lot of sunrises and sunsets.  It seemed quite healthy, so it will likely see many more.

As i went to bed last night, I marveled again at how quickly the days go by.  Every person over 40 has noticed that they go by faster and faster as we get older.

I am reminded of this poem by the great missionary pastor, CT Studd, founder of the Heart of Africa Mission.

"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. ”

— extra stanza —
"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