We obviously have an entitlement problem in this society.
Everybody believes he or she is special and that life owes them something. We
think we “deserve” an education, a good job, retirement and health benefits,
happiness, and success. Those things have become so commonplace that people
forget those blessings only exist with sacrifice and effort, even if it wasn’t their
own work, and none of those things are due anyone.
Part of the problem may be kids growing up with eighth place
trophies, being sheltered from failure and having sub-par effort being
celebrated because no one wants to hurt little Johnny’s feelings. But it isn’t because
Johnny isn’t special; he is, but he has been given the wrong perspective on “special.”
I believe each one of us is uniquely gifted in specific areas
and commissioned with specific duties to deliver those skills and talents to
the world. I believe there is entitlement, but it may not be how you think of
it. There are a lot of people waiting and wandering, impatiently demanding the
world give them their “chance.” If you still have a pulse, life is giving you that
chance.
You are special, but that doesn’t mean the world owes you
anything; it means you owe the world. You are entitled, not to receive but to
give, entitled to deliver your gifts to the community around you. You deserve
to give the people in your life the best version of you. You owe the people you
love and those who depend on you the effort and sacrifice to discover and hone your
natural abilities and the calling you were created to pursue. That is the
entitlement with which we should live.
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