Every gift—of time, health, wealth, safety, knowledge, talent, skill, experience, opportunity, and freedom—demands something from me…

But this “demand” is no commandment.

Neither is it some resentful duty.

Quite simply, this “demand” is the natural child of perspective:

… of the realization that my successes have far more to do with my privileged inheritance and good fortune than anything I’ve accomplished on my own initiative.

… of the realization that there are so many others who, through no fault of their own, are not as equally blessed.

… of the realization that I can give only because I have the good fortune of having something to give.

… of the realization that we who have fared better in the lottery of life have a natural responsibility to those less fortunate.

… of the realization that the joy of receiving must be reinvested in the joy of giving.

… of the realization that it’s a privilege, not a burden, to share my time, treasure, and talents with others.

… and of the realization that I have so much more to be grateful for than to be proud of.