What was to be donated

I was lured into my company's Health and Wellness center today with the promise of  $50 gift card if I would let them give me a flu shot, weigh me, measure my waist, measure my body fat, take my blood pressure, and take a blood sample to gauge cholesterol/glucose etc.

After being poked and prodded, I asked for my gift card and was directed to a website where I could redeem it, but here is what I found there:

I wanted that $50.  I didn't need it.  I've never needed $50.  But I wanted it.  And what really was the difference between taking this $50 and not donating it.  I have hundreds of $50 in various accounts that I don't donate everyday.  What was one more?  I mean, what if Microsoft started pitching all my incentives this way:

"Congratulations, your 2010 stock award has vested! Click here to redeem OR look at these pictures of 100 dying babies and donate this to save their lives. Or you know, buy a hot tub, and just know that you are soaking in the blood of innocents every time you get in it."

I ended up donating to fund the vaccinations.  And while my suspicion is that these vaccinations would have been given out somehow anyway, this money came too easily to really feel that attached to it.

I'll probably spend $50 this month on desserts and treats ( it's fine, my glucose is below 90 and my triglycerides are less than 45) and won't feel like I've taken food from anyone's mouth.  I'll buy a beautiful new desk set without feeling like I left anyone homeless.  Maybe I should, but I won't. I lack that level of compassion or empathy.  But when the money comes that easy and it is easier to give it away than give them my address, open a letter one day and put a card in my pocket, even I can reach beyond my 3? inch waist and click the kindest option.