Reading about our founding fathers in The American Spirit by David McCullough, it's obvious how much they sacrificed for their country. They were willing to give their lives for the principles they believed in, to the cause of a just and free nation.

I write about contribution a lot, how we should all strive to contribute to the one planet we all call home, regardless of our possible differences. To contribute, at some level, means to sacrifice. To sacrifice one's comfort, convenience, or even one's wishes, so to add value to the greater good. Whatever one's passion, be it their country, the environment, or conservation, in order to truly add substantive value to that cause, they must sacrifice their time and energy in order to devote a part of themselves (or all of themselves) toward that endeavor.

I think it's important we recognize this, and remember it: results come from hard work, from dedication through contribution, from sacrifice. There are no free rides. Our lives, and the greater world, our corner of the universe, becomes what we make of it. McCullough makes a compelling argument that it's never been easy in America, and yet strong and committed individuals have bent the arc of history towards liberty and prosperity. We all know it's certainly not easy right now. Are we willing to contribute? Are we willing to sacrifice, to ensure we move toward a more perfect Union?