Ouch!

How many times have you been told to suck it up........."No pain, no gain"?! I don't like pain. I like gain alot, but pain, not so much! I want the cliff's notes on pain. Give me quick, easy, to the point, and as effortless as possible. That's what my body and mind say!

We had a blood drive at the church this week, and I allowed my precious life-blood to be syphoned off through a nail-sized needle and a rubber hose. It hurt a little, but it wasn't bad in all honesty. It still isn't my idea of a good time. So why give? I learned yesterday that each donation (pint) can save 3 people's lives. The platelets are used for surgery to stop bleeding, the blood cells for people with sickness or disease, and the blood for trauma (I think I got that straight). This isn't a plea for blood donations, although it is a noble cause we should all give to. It is a reminder that things that make an eternal difference aren't always easy. Often, they take great sacrifice, work, and commitment.

25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matt. 20

God hasn't called us to comfort or personal pleasure...... he has called us to commitment to sharing the love of Christ and serving people! We are called to worship him and love each other. Why are we talking about serving at NP? Because we are called to put others before ourselves. We have been given so much in Christ......therefore we have so much to give through him as well! No excuses. Lets just do it!