October 6, 2021 Weekly Update
Yesterday I read a local news article that mentioned the critical need for blood in our community hospitals following the recent COVID-19 surge. I’m able to donate blood, but I haven’t in a few years. So I made an appointment for the afternoon, took my book study book to the Red Cross center in Kalispell, and donated blood!
It was a typical donation routine – lots of questions, a finger prick, and instructions to squeeze the squishy ball every 3-5 seconds! I was surprised by any of that. However, I was struck by how grateful everyone was at the Red Cross. I spoke with three different employees, and each of them thanked me two times!
“What brought you in today? Oh, you read the article? Thanks for coming in. We are grateful!”
“Thank you for visiting today. We really need blood donations.”
“We appreciate you coming this afternoon on such short notice.”
At the end of my appointment, I was so surprised to be thanked so much that I blurted out, “Thank YOU for helping our community by doing this job.” It’s good to remind those folks they are meeting a real human need for our neighbors. They, too, are part of our essential medical community.
As we enter the upcoming season of stewardship, we have an opportunity to say “Thank you” to God for all of God’s good gifts – our resources, our church family, the many opportunities to be part of God’s compassionate work in our community and world. Let’s not miss the chance to give God our worship, our gratitude, and our commitment for our shared ministry together!
Blessings
Pastor Jared
Click here to read about the need for blood https://flatheadbeacon.com/2021/10/04/red-cross-hosts-local-blood-drive-amid-emergency-shortage/