My family and my country are tied together. Both striving grossly toward something better than what we have been. We hope. Our deeds have fallen short of our ideals, but generation to generation we move forward. Mostly. If we manage not to annihilate ourselves, we may become something worthy of admiration. But we have a long way to go, and we are still a great danger to ourselves. Mostly we are trying our best though. Each of us in our own way as a part of this slowly reconciling family.

I am wealthy when my needs are met and I am sated.

What are my needs?

When am I full?

When am I poor, and when am I greedy?

What of poverty of spirit against material poverty?

How do I weigh my needs and satisfaction against what I feel for my brothers and sisters?

How do I feel about my brothers and sisters?

Who is my brother and who my sister? All? Some? None?

How much for me and how much for we?

I have very little when I strike out alone… Maybe even when I have much.

What luxury to enjoy the space to ask such questions!