Entitlement

By modern era use/definition, this 11-letter word has turned into a four-letter word. Let me explain. Oh, and, by the way, let me confess that I am entitled and so are you. Hear me out.

To What I Am Entitled:

• I am entitled to my thoughts.
• I am entitled to my feelings.
• I am entitled to my opinions.
• I am entitled to my beliefs.
• I am entitled to be at liberty.
• I am entitled to pursue happiness.
• I am entitled to live.
• I am entitled to _______ .

Now, with this entitlement comes responsibility. As the beer commercial a few years ago so succinctly stated, “drink responsibly...” I, too, must use my entitlement responsibly.

It does not mean I am better than others or that I should demand better treatment - usually demanded NOW by many misinformed entitledists - or that I should in any way seek to alter your entitlements.

How I Became Entitled:

• I am who I am because of my formative years.
• I am who I am because I said, “I do” so many years ago.
• I am who I am because of my children training me how to properly parent.
• I am who I am because of employment experiences.
• I am who I am because of other entitled folk known as friends.

But, mostly, I am who I am because of the crucible experiences God allows me to go through polishing away that which is impure and flawed and defective in my character. Thankfully, I am not where I was and I know that some polishing is still to come. Perfection is still down the road ahead of me.

Entitled? In this way? You bet. And glad of it.