Privilege

Privilege is a word that reflects being set apart, of being special, or as a birthright, particularly when applied to royalty. But it is also applied to men and women of especial accomplishment. We give medals and honors for those accomplishments, often with carefully stated accompanying privileges. Privilege usually implies favor and respect. But historically, privilege has been for the few, not for the masses.

Yet I feel especially privileged in my own life. Not for wealth or possessions or status. For to me it is a privilege to be alive. A gift to be an active participant in life at this moment of space/time in this evolving universe that is constantly being revealed to us. With all its mystery, it is a privilege to be a part of something grand. Moreover, I was born to parents who provided me with the example of love for each other as well as for me and my older brother that is not available to way too many newborns in this world. So I was “born to privilege,” as the old-fashioned phrase states it. No, I neither merit nor claim this privilege. It has been a precious gift.

And at the center of this privilege is my experience of love, first with my Mother and my Father within a family, then within my 43-year marriage to Polly and our three children – made even more meaningful with four grandchildren. After the death of Polly, was the delightful discovery of love and my marriage with Jean with her then two high school age children, and now with two more grandchildren.  That’s already been 22 more years!  What a special privilege it is to be a part of a loving family. In the broader sense is also the love in the friendships with so many other individuals and families. There has been an increasing sense of awe for all of life, for all of nature. This feeling of awe and mystery and love is my experience of God within me. And that’s a privilege. The privilege of sharing this love is what life is all about.

Isn’t this what Paul meant when he wrote , “Faith, hope, and love abide, these three, and the greatest of these is love”? [2 Corinthians 13:13 ]

Loren Bullock
Novemer 24, 2017
Written the day after Thanksgiving Day, 2017