“Come, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”   Matthew 11:28

These days if you say the words “health care” too many people think you are starting a political argument. The health care system in our country is not perfect but I know that I have more access to skilled, state of art health care than the vast majority of the world.

• When I dial 911, someone arrives at my door – quickly.
• When I am sick, I can get an appointment with my doctor.
• Even though I don’t enjoy any of these procedures, I have the luxury of having preventative screenings like a mammogram, colonoscopy, or even a routine dental check-up.
• If I’m sick on a weekend, I can go to a “minute clinic” or acute care setting.
• If – heaven forbid – I would be diagnosed with a serious illness, I have the opportunity to seek a second opinion and then choose from a myriad of treatment options.

That is not the case for most of God’s children all over the world.

• UNICEF says that a child will die every 30 seconds today from malaria.
• Lack of basic nutrients like Vitamin A or iodized salt can mean the difference between life and death in infants and children.
• Save the Children is one organization that works to prevent malnutrition and low birth weight babies. Children die every day because their mothers had no prenatal care.

And me? I have a choice of pharmacies whose shelves contain an embarrassing number of generic and name brand drugs, open 24 hours/day.

I give thanks for nurses, doctors, EMTs and access to good medical care.

What are you thankful for today?