I never got around to posting yesterday. After 8 hours in the hospital for on-call duties, I was home long enough to have dinner before being paged back in for a death in the ICU. The hospital does not allow access to blogs (even ones written by a chaplain!) so I couldn’t finish this series on time… but here are my last thoughts…

Here in the U.S., we have been blessed with many privileges that are not afforded those in other countries.

We have access to good healthcare. We can deliver our babies in a safe environment, whether or not we have insurance. If we need emergency care, we can receive it. We are not turned away if we don’t show up with our own medical supplies. And when we are treated, we don’t have to wonder if the medical supplies the hospital has are properly sterilized. Argue all you wish about the “affordability” of health care — at least we have access to it. A large majority of the world can’t say the same.

We also have a public education system. Yes, in many places it has problems. Yes, in many communities, the staff are under-trained and do not have enough of the right kind of supplies. And yes, in some areas, there is a huge disparity in terms of parent involvement and investment. Travel to countries in other parts of the world, and you will quickly discover that “public” education is beyond the reach of the impoverished. Complain about “godless public schools” all you wish, and then research what happens if you even show UP at a school in some parts of the world with a cross around your neck.

We have an elected government. Yes, there are special interest groups who buy votes and attention. I am sure that if I wrote a letter to my senator it would receive far less staff time than if I were a major campaign contributor, or if I were the head of a lobbying machine. The fact remains that I have the right to vote and the responsibility to do so. As I told my friends in 2000, 2004 and 2008, I’ll say it again in 2010 – “if you didn’t vote, stop whining!”

We are able to gather and worship freely, without fear. We are also not required to worship a particular way, or in a particular sect. It may gall you if you think we are a “Christian” nation, but the fact is, we are nation that welcomes many religions, not just Christianity. And while there is no “separation” clause, there is also no “establishment” clause, either. It is a protection for your personal faith, as well as mine.

We are a privileged people. Maybe the greatest thanksgiving I can offer to God is that while we have many privileges, we are also tasked with many challenges that humble us to depend on God. For even in a country of wealth, benefits, and opportunity, none of what we see and experience comes to us except by God’s kindness and mercy.

Thanks be to God.