“…I felt I was entitled…”

Those were five of the words that stood out to me from Tiger’s first public statement. Those words have accompanied many a mea culpa. They are not reserved for the uber-rich. In fact, not one of us is immune to using the “I deserve it” justification to get what we want. I have seen that sense of entitlement destroy a lifetime of good work. I’ve seen it destroy families, careers and friendships. And I’ve known it to creep into my thoughts as I try to condone a selfish desire. At the heart of it is envy, a dissatisfaction with our current state accompanied by a belief that something else will fill that emptiness.

I know a couple in their 60’s that have always amazed me with their sincere joy with life. It certainly doesn’t come from their circumstances – they’ve had a rough, abusive life; they don’t have much and struggle financially; she has cancer (in remission now). Yet they are always talking about what they’re thankful for. They are a blessing to me and remind me just how much I have to be thankful for. They have taught me that happiness is not a measure of how much you have but rather how happy you are with what you have. The richness of God is sometimes contrary to the riches of the world.

Entitlement and gratitude are mutually exclusive. Which do you choose?

Live Thankfully!