The American Dream

I remember a time when I loved America with all of my heart. I can easily recall the days when I thought for sure that this place was indeed a bright shining city on a hill; set forth by God for the betterment of all humanity. In those days I was really riding high. I had lots of loving family, good friends, and was successful in the things I endeavoured upon. I really thought I had it figured out and that the American dream was as real as the air I breathe. Hell, now after the journey I have been on, I wonder if the air I breathe is real, and know with certainty that the American dream is not. I do not dream of acquiring earthly wealth, for it is heavy and will bound me here. I do not dream of attaining earthly fame, for it is fickle and will trick me from heaven. I do not dream of earthly power, for I realize it is no power at all. These concepts that I do not dream of, are the very same concepts that are supposed to make the American dream what it is. Wealth, fame, and power are the hallmarks of a great successful society, well, so say those who have wealth, fame, and power. People who do attain the American dream rarely ever realize the fact that to be living the dream means that they're sleeping. While they live it up and love this life, cherishing their American dreams, others suffer and die in the midst of terrible American nightmares. By succeeding in dreamland American dreamers have lost the ability to open their eyes and see the waking world. The American dream is an illusion that allows us to believe that we can attain something great in this life. It tells us that there is something other than faith that can bring goodness to us. It suspends the notion that there is not a single good one amongst us. It erases the teaching that no deed will ever justify a single one of us to our Father. The American dream is all about this world, and therefore, a terrible danger to lost souls and their journey back Home. What we should be dreaming of is helping each other. Those of us who have in spades should dream every moment of putting those spades to good use for the betterment of all. Those of us who have nothing should be dreaming of attaining, not wealth, but grace. This dream of ours has put us to sleep and drawn us far away from the Heavens. Our slumber is deep and it is beginning to appear that we might not wake up until our Master appears from the clouds.