I do not observe Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, or Lent. I saw a meme last week that said something to the effect of "I'm Mormon. We do Lent 365 days a year." It made me laugh. And while it is true that we generally avoid the major vices, there is always something we could improve on. I admire those of my friends who make an effort to work on doing something meaningful for Lent. In December I set a goal to get up a few minutes early each day to take time for personal scripture study. I have been successful about 50% of the time (maybe a little less). That's the only goal I have set for myself recently. I didn't even bother with New Year's resolutions.
So I was pleased with myself when I made an unplanned sacrifice last Wednesday. While I was running some errands, I noticed a blood donation truck along my route.
Over the past few years I have felt a desire to donate. I have O- blood, and as a "universal donor" I feel some guilt or pressure to donate. But I don't go out of my way to find a donation site, and it is always an inconvenient time when I happen upon one. Plus, the past three times I have attempted, I was deferred because my iron levels were not high enough.
On a whim I decided to try again. I called home and said I would be a little late. I walked in and got checked out. I passed the iron test with flying colors and was able to donate. It made me feel so good! As I lay there, I decided that it was completely appropriate to be giving up a pint of my blood for someone whose life may depend on it on the first day of Lent, and just a few days before Valentine's Day!
