day no. 16,211: ownership

Galatians 6:6

Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

We are called to be somewhere. And in that place, we will receive. And in that place, we ought to give back. We need to take ownership of our place. This includes being associated as a member of part of it and being or assuming the roles and responsibilities of a member in that place.

Ownership is picking up clutter because it's your home, not your job.

You know you have taken ownership of something when you do the little things without being asked. If you pick up the tissue next to the bin and toss it in the trash, you are expressing ownership. If you grab the lint from the carpet on the stairs, you live there. The difference between occupying a space and owning it is taking responsibility for it. You want it to be clean because its yours. You don't need a chore chart to make you tidy up. It's where you live, so you take it upon yourself.

Ownership is giving to where you get from, serving at the table from which you are served, and doing the dishes where your plate is filled. Those who do so get all the benefits of belonging. One of those often overlooked is the privilege of giving back to and pitching in where you get.