In his book, Praying Over God’s Promises, Tom Yeakley shares his family’s tradition of making butter during the Thanksgiving holiday. Most families have traditions during the holidays, but I would not imagine many have a tradition of making butter.

As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near, the family begins the tradition practice of making homemade butter for Thanksgiving dinner. The process is simple and unique. The cream is placed in a jar with the lid sealed tight and everyone takes turns shaking the jar. As the shaking process continues, several family members get tired because it seems like the cream will never turn to butter.

Then it happens. Almost in the blink of an eye, the cream begins to gel into a lump of butter. When the results of all the shaking occur, the delight in seeing the year’s “Thanksgiving butter” creates a smile.

Much of what we are thankful for is like the process of making homemade butter. Great things take patience and actions to see the result. We will not see the result when we first begin, but as Paul said, “…let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6.9)

Paul’s words in Philippians 3 also remind us, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

But, what about those results we are still, after progressing, are not seeing yet? Are you praying while you are “shaking the jar?”

Just a thought,