PATIENCE IN THE PAUSE

Wherever you are—sitting in a waiting room, standing in line, or even waiting for something at home— 

Say: “Let’s play a game while we wait! The Patience Challenge. We have to see how still and quiet we can be for 30 seconds—without moving or making a sound. Ready?” 

You can either use a timer or just count down in your head. After 30 seconds, celebrate: 

Say: “Wow, you did great! That was a long time to stay still, wasn’t it? You were super patient!” 

Now, make it a little more fun by turning the waiting time into a sensory game. 

Say: “Let’s see if we can practice being patient in a different way now! While we wait, let’s notice the things around us. Can you find something soft? Can you find something that’s the color blue? What about something that makes a sound?” 

Let your child answer and encourage them to look around and describe what they see. This turns waiting into a more engaging game. 

Once you’ve played for a little while, take a moment to reflect on your patience. 

Say: “Even when we’re waiting, we can trust that God is with us, helping us be patient. He knows the best time for everything, and while we wait, He’s teaching us to trust His timing.” 

Ask: 

• “What’s something you’re waiting for right now?” 

• “How do you feel when you have to wait for something?”

• “Do you think God has a good plan for when things happen, even if we don’t always understand it?”