The Gift of Life

When the terrorist attacks happened on September 11, 2001, millions of Americans wanted to do something tangible to help our country in its time of need. Besides money to help relief efforts, the one act that people could do that was communicated most often was to give blood. People lined up by the thousands to donate this most precious commodity. The slogan often heard was and still is: "Give blood. Give life."

I gave blood yesterday. It took about half an hour from the time I started filling out the questionnaire to the time I left the "Bloodmobile." It involved very little discomfort. (The worst pain was when I bruised my shin going back into the vehicle, but that's another story for another time. I'll tell that one Sunday night.) By the time I left, I had provided someone the chance to live through my donation. Not bad for 15 minutes on a comfortable reclining bed.

Jesus gave us the gift of life through His blood. But his gift was different from mine. The most obvious difference is that he suffered extreme pain and sorrow when He shed His blood on the cross. No relaxing time donating while listening to music in a climate controlled bus. But the bigger difference is what it meant. His blood didn't provide a few more years of life on this earth for one person. His gift of blood paid for our sins for eternity. His gift is eternal life. And that gift is being offered still today for all of us that are willing to receive it.

The next time you see a sign for a blood drive, think of the ultimate gift of life. And say a prayer of thanks.

(From the Johnson Street Youth Group Trumpeter, 4/20/08)