Maybe you’ve noticed that some people are happy the sun came up today while others are busily looking for “a brighter tomorrow.” This is the difference between Conservative and Progressive mindsets.

Conservatives are like your grandma who keeps her ancient couch because “it’s still perfectly good.” They’re big on gratitude, contentment, and taking stock of what they already have. Conservatives tend to look at the world and say, “Life’s not perfect, but it’s pretty good!” That’s not settling—it’s appreciating.

Progressives, on the other hand, are the people who announce on social media that they stopped using couches because America is hateful and nobody should have furniture until everyone has furniture. If a conservative sees their cup as half full, a progressive wonders why the cup isn’t bigger, with a spill-proof lid and attached straw.

Progressive thinking often presents itself as a sincere desire to “make things better,” but in reality it’s just a lack of gratitude. Progressives don’t necessarily mean to be ungrateful; they just live in a constant state of “we could do better.”

To be fair, we can do better sometimes. But if you’re always chasing better, you miss what’s right in front of you. Progressives are so preoccupied with moving forward they race past all the great stuff right here. Meanwhile, conservatives are cherishing traditions, waving tiny flags, and deep frying turkeys with a joy you only get when you truly love where you are.

The irony is that progressives sell their discontentment as hope. They pitch it like, “We’re dreamers! We’re building a better future!” But underneath it all, there’s often a lack of peace with the present. It’s like being on a treadmill—lots of motion, no destination. Gratitude, on the other hand, is the art of saying, “I’m glad I’m here,” instead of, “Why aren’t we there yet?”

Be grateful for the couch—even if it’s older than you are.

(Col 3:15–17) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.