America: land of the free

There is little real joy in this country, and not just because it is the consquence of sin. Let us not think in Christian terms for a moment, though Jesus and his message have everything to do with this topic. These days, you are very blessed if you have met someone with whom you can have real intimacy. Even in the family, real intimacy is rare among families here. Rather, mothers and fathers are just as selfish and fake with their children as they are with anyone else, just that they cover it up with frequent "love you"''s and "miss you"s and "honey." But their love in action is sorely missing. They have in mind other things like what they feel like or don't feel like doing, where they feel like going, what they feel like eating, and things like their retirement. (written 2012)