November 2026 Discipline of Thanks

Every November I have the daily and intentional  habit of practicing gratitude leading up to Thanksgiving. It is not that I ignore the practice during the rest of the year but there is something well suited about the season that begs a focus on the many blessings received. It really does. My attention is naturally tuned toward gratitude as I reflect on the year as it winds down, the leaves settle and the opportunities for time with friends and family seem easier. Being thankful is a perfect seasonal pause to reflect on the big milestones and the quiet, everyday moments that bring joy. In past years I posted on facebook and transferred to the blog but this year I am planning to  update here everyday. 

So here are some prompts for 2026:

Week 1: the everyday (Nov 1–7)

1. Sun Nov 1: Something small that went right today. Usually I go to spend Sundays with my mom and I am grateful for the privilege of honoring her. Instead I spent time sorting, purging, and organizing the space at my new place. Moving has been overwhelming, but today felt like the light at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming train! I am so thankful for the people who have helped me in this transition. It is no small thing.
2. Mon Nov 2: A thing in your home you use every day and would miss. I am grateful for clean water, electricity, WIFI and in house laundry. It may seem basic but these are small things that make a BIG difference.
3. Tue Nov 3: A meal you’re glad you had this week. For me it is not as much about the food as who I am with. Last night I had the privilege of a burger from an In-N-Out truck following the memorial service celebrating the life of Joyce Beach. Joyce was one of my birthday twins. She was a godly, fun woman who led the kids choirs among many other things back in Downey. The meal was with people I have known most of my adult life. There is something indescribable about being known for so long and a sense of belonging and affection that is palpable. Yummy. And the burger was okay too.
4. Wed Nov 4: Something your body let you do today.
5. Thu Nov 5: A sound you like hearing.
6. Fri Nov 6: Something that made the week easier.
7. Sat Nov 7: A place nearby you’re glad exists.

Week 2: people (Nov 8–14)

1. Sun Nov 8: Someone who taught you something you still use.
2. Mon Nov 9: A friend you could call at 2 a.m.
3. Tue Nov 10: A stranger who was kind to you once.
4. Wed Nov 11: Someone who works so your day runs smoothly (a driver, a cleaner, a nurse).
5. Thu Nov 12: A family member and one specific thing they do.
6. Fri Nov 13: Someone who made you laugh recently.
7. Sat Nov 14: A person you’ve lost touch with and are glad you knew. Send them a message.

Week 3: you (Nov 15–21)

1. Sun Nov 15: Something you’re better at than a year ago.
2. Mon Nov 16: A hard thing you got through.
3. Tue Nov 17: A habit that’s quietly helping you.
4. Wed Nov 18: A mistake that taught you something.
5. Thu Nov 19: Something you like about the way you think.
6. Fri Nov 20: A choice you made that past you would be proud of.
7. Sat Nov 21: Something you’re looking forward to.

Week 4: Thanksgiving week (Nov 22–28)

1. Sun Nov 22: A tradition you’d keep forever.
2. Mon Nov 23: A food that tastes like home.
3. Tue Nov 24: A memory of a holiday that went well.
4. Wed Nov 25: Someone who’ll be at your table, or someone you wish was.
5. Thu Nov 26 (Thanksgiving): Three things from this year, one sentence each. Read one out loud at dinner.
6. Fri Nov 27: Something you have that you don’t need to buy.
7. Sat Nov 28: A quiet moment from this week.

Last days (Nov 29–30)

1. Sun Nov 29: Something that changed for the better this month.
2. Mon Nov 30: Read your 29 answers. Which one surprised you?

 

Nov. 1 – I am thankful for the birth of James Eli Mohler, my first grandchild.

Nov. 2 –