I heard a creek in the distance as we lost elevation. “We can convince ourselves that worldly things will make us happy,” said Father Matthew. “When we get them, we feel good, but that happiness just doesn’t last. Then we search for the next thing. We live in a big propaganda machine convincing us that the world is all about us. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve seen who seem to have it all—a high-paying job, a nice home and cars, a spouse and family who love them—go through a midlife crisis and come here.” Sometimes the monastery holds answers. Sometimes not. But the important part is
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