Blood

Today for the first time, I gave blood to the Red Cross. I have forever had a fear of needles and the very thought of getting stuck with a needle would freak me out. But last year, that all changed. I was scheduled to have a health assessment, which I did not want in the least bit, when I was called to jury duty. Now if you know me, you know that sometimes things like jury duty can make me so nervous. But I didn't have a choice, so I went. As is usual for the standard proceedings, several people are called and then interviewed to see if he or she will be fit to be a juror for that case. As each name was called I prayed my name would not be among them. And to my relief it wasn't. But little did I know the proceedings didn't stop there. After several people had been dismissed, my name was drawn and I had the "privilege" to sit the seat closest to the person on trial. That was to this day one of the most uncomfortable things I've had to do. The case was awful. It was the sort of case that causes every fiber in your being to scream "RUN AWAY!" Verging on tears a break was called and I sat tense in the chair looking at the floor, wondering how I would get out of this. I had no reason to not be there. I was in good health and a job that would pay for me to be there. There was no way I would get out, no story I could come up with to get out of there. I was under oath after all. And suddenly I realized, I would rather be giving blood than sitting in this chair! And that's it! I was cured! I know I know. I'm so dramatic! But it worked for me. I ended up being dismissed and was so glad! The next day, I walked up the hill to get my health assessment with a smile on my face and confidence in my heart that what I was about to do was good, and right, and safe. Since that day, I've gone through another health assessment and today gave blood! I overcame my fear and by doing so, I will be able to save at least 3 lives with my blood. How awesome!
This reminds me of the sacrifice that Jesus gave. He gave ALL his blood so that I might be saved. What an awesome thing! May I ever be thankful of the blood work he did that day so I could stand here today! :)