January 14, 2026
Today’s post title might seem a bit strange. I get that. I think as I continue to write, you’ll be able to follow my line of thinking. If things are muddy, let’s make things clear.
This afternoon, I set out to finish preparing for tonight’s confirmation class. Tonight’s subject was a bit weighty for most adults to comprehend, let alone 13–14-year-olds. Nevertheless, I couldn’t shy away from the difficult subjects, and I don’t think the kids would expect as much. (In fact, I think they enjoy the challenge). Where was I?
Oh yah, so after lunch, in a moment of distraction, I opened up Facebook for a second and saw a post from an acquaintance. Al’s post had an antagonistic tone, IMHO—a meme of the President childishly flipping the bird to one provoking him yesterday at the Ford Motor plant. Al chimed included his commentary: “He’s such a good Christian. Right Trumpers?” I took the bait. Before ya scold me, ya, ya, ya… yada yada yada… I know. I know. I know. LOL.
I responded very politely to Al; and to my response, one of his buddies jumped-in. I’m not gonna quote Al’s bestie, but nevertheless he too was quite antagonistic—far more than a bit. After a couple back and forth jabs, I asked him to politely look at my profile pic, then asked: “Would you talk with me on the street the way you are now if I was wearing my clerical collar…. can you please consider your tone and language?”
I hated doing that, but he was just being so… aggressive. He replied with an apology, then stated that he feels like the President and his supporters had driven him from God. For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. His statement saddened me, for more than one reason. It’s hard to get into one’s head; and yet at that moment, my gut left me wondering if he was being hostile because of something deeper at play.
When I was a kid, I complained all the time. My father quickly tired of it; and my dad being my dad, famously replied in a whiney voice: “I don’t like this, and I don’t like that; and I don’t like this, and I don’t like that.” Then he’d look at me intently and say, “Is there anything you do like?” I didn’t realize until I was older why that bothered him so much. My parents had provided me with a very comfortable life, yet I was all too ungrateful for most aspects of it.
I’ve since realized unfound anger, antagonism, and incessant complaining (about this and that) is steeped in spiritual hurts, mistakes, insecurities and fears, all interwoven with ingratitude. So, you may be wondering, why I am thankful for those who exhibit behaviors such as these?
Christ died to wipe our slates clean. He died for me, for you, for Al, and his bestie too. He came to replace our unrighteousness for his righteousness, taking into himself all our sins and pain. Maybe my counterpart needs a second chance: with God, himself, and possibly someone else. Perhaps he needs to hear again that Christ died to drown his mistakes at the bottom of the abyss, and that’s he’s unmeasurably loved by God. Perhaps what he needs is someone to encourage him with Christ’s love? Just a thought. So I did.
I’m sure you’ve heard this before: gratitude is an attitude. Yet when I see attitudes of ingratitude, and when I see open hostility towards others one doesn’t know, I’m reminded that I need to be thankful for every good gift God has given, even when I don’t think those gifts are “good.”
Today, I thank God for my ungrateful neighbors and antagonistic friends, because I realize I use to be just like them, yet here I am a different man in Christ. Am I perfect? Nope, by no means. But daily I’m choosing to have an attitude of gratitude, because God saved a wretch like me, and because he did, I know there’s hope for anyone, even my antagonistic friends and the perpetually unhappy.
Father, flood those like Al’s friend (and even Al) with a wave of Christ’s love and forgiveness. Help them see that life is far more joyous when we choose gratitude and love. Forgive them and save them, so that they may find new life in you. Amen.