Approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. In fact, according to a recent poll, 52 per cent of Canadians say they, or a family member, have needed blood or blood products for surgery or for medical treatment.
The good news is that one blood donation - in just one hour - can save up to three lives.
I've been a blood donor for many years now-in fact today marked donation #47. I first donated at a mobile clinic just for something to do, and quickly became a regular donor. It costs me an hour of my time (an hour I get to just sit and do nothing, no less!) and I walk away knowing I have done something good.
Thankfully I have never needed to receive blood, but I have loved ones who have.
Yesterday I received some painful news about my mother's health, so today's donation was especially meaningful. It is a small thing I can do.
In Genesis, when Cain murdered his brother Abel God said his blood cried out to Him from the ground. Cain asked the eternal question; "Am I my brother's keeper?" I would say, yes, yes we are our brothers' keepers, and just maybe the world would be a better place if we all were accountable to one another.
The blood in my veins carries DNA from both my parents, I am who I am, at least physically, because of the two of them. I am who I am otherwise because Jesus shed His blood for me.
Like breathing, we rarely consider the beating of our hearts, pumping blood through our veins and arteries, a process begun long before we ever took our first breath. Amazing stuff, blood is, carrying our genetic code, making us unique, necessary for life. The little I donated this afternoon will quickly be replenished by my body. I have to pause & wonder, after so many donations, how many souls have a little bit of me coursing through their veins? That small thing connects us somehow, I think.
Consider taking an hour and donating...you never know whose life you may save.
Leviticus 17:11 reads:
For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.
(One unit of blood is the equivalent to one donation)
