Discontenment and Resentment
When surrounded by messages about the things we don't have and need to be happy, it is easy to be discontent with our house, our car, our clothes, our life. Then it becomes easy to resent those who seem to have more than we do. Both of these rob us of the ability to live with gratitude. Without gratitude we cut ourselves off from God and our neighbor as we spiral into selfishness and despair. The story of the prodigal son introduces us to a Father who can overcome our folly with grace.