American Dreaming

I believe in America.

Mario Puzo once wrote these words in praise of this wonderful country we live in. Others beg to differ, but that's because they don't live here.

Aside from the jingoistic fancies, I've heard many stories of immigrants coming to the home of the free with a few dollars in their pockets hoping to make it big and to live the Dream. In turn, American history is full of people who have had nothing to their names make ridonkolous fortunes in their lifetimes from honest hard work, all sorts of hustlin', or just dumb luck. Sometimes all three.

This very notion of the American Dream has been ingrained in the very essence of my being for as long as I can remember. Having grown up in a household with immigrant parents and with other families and friends of more immigrants, I was almost constantly reminded of this Dream.

Everybody in the land of the brave has had some kind of chutzpah in fulfilling theirs. Due props to them for it is on their backs that the foundation was laid and that the miracle of America was built upon.

What then and how does this Dream come into fruition for me? Is it through the newly placed white picket fence surrounding the McMansion? Is it through acquiring Sparky the golden retriever? Maybe it's a yacht. Hopefully playing Powerball can get me all this.

I believe dreams make the world go round, not money. Yes, dreams come true. Yes, living the dream is a GREAT achievement. BUT, what good is the Dream if I gain the whole world yet forfeit my soul?

Matthew 6:19-21.

Read it and not weep.

Rejoice.