Addiction" might be the best word to explain the lostness that so deeply permeates society. Our addiction make us cling to what the world proclaims as the keys to self-fulfillment: accumulation of wealth and power; attainment of status and admiration; lavish consumption of food and drink, and sexual gratification without distinguishing between lust and love. These addictions create expectations that cannot but fail to satisfy our deepest needs. As long as we live within the world's delusions, our addictions condemn us to futile quests in "the distant country, " leaving us to face an endless series of disillusionments while our sense of self remains unfulfilled. In these days of increasing addictions, we have wandered far away from our Father's home. The addicted life can aptly be designated a life lived in "a distant country." It is from there that our cry for deliverance rises up. Henri J.m. Nouwen
About This Quote

We all have the innate ability to experience happiness. The problem is that we are afflicted with an addiction that prevents us from experiencing our true potential. This addiction is rooted in the desire for more, but it ends up shortchanging us of what we really need. We are addicted to things which are not useful to us in the long run.

What are some of these things? People who know their limitations understand how they can be useful to someone else. They are content with who they are and don't want more. When you find yourself feeling guilty about having fun, think of the people whom you will leave behind if you stop being happy.

Source: The Return Of The Prodigal Son: A Story Of Homecoming

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