Resentment—it’s like carrying around a stinky trash bag that you just can’t let go of. With the holidays speeding toward us, family gatherings and complicated relationships are front and center. Resentment sneaks in, especially with those closest to us, stealing our joy and making gratitude feel impossible.

But what if we could trade bitterness for freedom? In this week’s blog, Grateful and Resentful: Finding Freedom in Gratitude, we’re taking out the trash—those subtle habits of gossip, frustration, and grudges—and learning how gratitude can transform even the hardest moments.

If the idea of family dinner fills you with a little dread, this one’s for you. Let’s fix our thoughts on what’s good, set healthy boundaries, and find joy in the small things—even when it’s messy.

Fear is Sneaky...
If you'd told me a few years ago that fear had a grip on me, I would've laughed it off. Fearful? Me? Not a chance. Awkward? Absolutely. Angry? Maybe (okay, definitely). But fearful? That wasn’t even on my radar.

And yet, here I am, realizing fear is sneakier than I thought. It’s a shape-shifter, hiding in plain sight. It doesn’t always look like panic or avoidance; sometimes, it’s disguised as control, overconfidence, or the routines we cling to.

Fear whispers things like: What if I fail? What if they leave? What if I’m not enough?

But what if gratitude could change the story? What if stepping into the unknown, trusting God, is where freedom begins?

Anxiety blinds us to blessings, but gratitude opens our eyes. When life feels overwhelming and fear seems to take over, it’s easy to lose sight of the good. But what if we could change the channel? Instead of letting anxiety set the tone, imagine finding peace, even in the midst of uncertainty. Let’s explore how a simple shift—one rooted in both faith and practicality—can make all the difference.