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A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with The Reverend Canon Grace Thomas.

Good morning.

This month, I have an appointment scheduled in my diary to give blood. I feel privileged to be able to do this, not least as I get a free chocolate bar and a cuppa at the end. It may sound strange for someone to say that they enjoy giving blood, which inevitably involves a sharp needle, but I do, because whenever I go to the donation centre, I leave feeling hopeful.

There in the waiting room, are people of different ages and backgrounds, volunteering to literally give something of themselves, to someone they probably will never knowingly meet. And there is a network of healthcare professionals ready to support, and to ensure the donations get to where they need to be.

In the book of Proverbs, there is this little verse in chapter eleven that reads ‘Some give freely, yet grow all the richer’. I often think of that verse when I am hooked up to the machinery in the donation centre. Because I recognise the gift I am giving, but also I recognise how much more, I am being given. The sense of peace I gain from knowing that there are so many who give freely, is a welcome antidote to the negative news and rampant consumerism, that seems to dominate our world.

And so, today, my prayer is one of gratitude, for all that I have been given, and for all that I am able to to freely give. I lift up thanks to God for the NHS, which enables people to benefit from others’ donations. And I pray for the person who will receive my donation later this month. That it may bring healing and comfort to them.

Amen.