Why Patience Matters
Ever found yourself tapping your foot in frustration while waiting for something important? Let’s face it—patience isn’t easy. But here’s the good news: Thanksgiving offers more than just turkey and family traditions. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on gratitude and, in doing so, build the patience we all need in our fast-paced lives.
Patience, as the Bible tells us, is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It’s a quality that helps us trust God’s timing, navigate life’s uncertainties, and strengthen relationships. So, how can we use Thanksgiving to cultivate this virtue? Let’s dive in.
1. Look to God’s Example of Patience
Think about this: God waits for us with unending patience. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… Instead, he is patient with you.”
Take a moment this Thanksgiving to reflect on how God has shown patience in your life. Write down one or two moments when His timing turned out to be better than yours. Then, think about how you can mirror His patience with others—maybe by being more understanding during holiday stress.
My friend Sarah shared a story of how she prayed for a job for over a year. When she finally landed one, it was far better than she imagined. Reflecting on God’s timing taught her to be more patient with others, especially her kids.
2. Practice Gratitude in Your Waiting
Gratitude is like a reset button for our mindset. Philippians 4:6 reminds us to bring our worries to God with thanksgiving.
- Start a Gratitude Journal: List three things you’re thankful for every day this week.
- Family Gratitude Circle: During your Thanksgiving meal, have each person share something they’re thankful for. This simple act not only shifts perspectives but also strengthens family bonds.
At one Thanksgiving dinner, a family I know started a “gratitude jar.” Throughout the year, they wrote down blessings on small slips of paper and read them together during the holiday. This not only reminded them of God’s faithfulness but also taught the kids to be patient during tough times.
3. Strengthen Your Relationships with Thankfulness
Patience thrives in relationships built on gratitude. Ephesians 4:2 encourages us to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
- Write a thank-you note to a family member or friend who’s been there for you this year.
- Replace criticism with gratitude. If tensions rise during Thanksgiving prep, pause and say, “Thank you for helping,” instead of pointing out what’s wrong.
I once sent a heartfelt thank-you note to a cousin I hadn’t spoken to in years. That simple act rekindled our bond and reminded me how gratitude can heal relationships.
4. Gratitude as Worship
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s an act of worship. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
- Dedicate time during Thanksgiving to thank God for His blessings. Whether through a family prayer or a solo moment of reflection, make gratitude the center of your celebration.
- Use worship songs focused on thankfulness to set the tone for the day.
A church I visited hosted a special Thanksgiving service where members shared personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness. It was a powerful reminder of how expressing gratitude builds faith and community.
5. Use Gratitude to Face Life’s Challenges
Life’s trials test our patience, but gratitude can help us endure. Romans 12:12 reminds us to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
- When facing a challenge, list three positive things you’ve learned from the experience.
- Pray for patience and strength, thanking God for walking with you through the struggle.
A young mom I know shared how financial struggles tested her patience. But each night, she wrote down one thing she was thankful for—like having enough food or her children’s laughter. That habit changed her outlook and gave her the strength to keep going.
Practice Gratitude, Grow in Patience
This Thanksgiving, let’s go beyond traditions and embrace the deeper meaning of gratitude. By thanking God for His blessings, expressing love to our families, and trusting His timing, we can cultivate the patience that transforms our lives.
Here’s your challenge:
- Start a gratitude journal or create a family gratitude circle.
- Take five minutes each day to thank God for what He’s done in your life.
- Share your Thanksgiving story with someone who needs encouragement.
Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving—it’s a lifestyle that helps us navigate life’s ups and downs with faith, hope, and love. So, what are you thankful for today?
