November 2025 Gratitude Challenge
Join me in the 2025 Gratitude Challenge! The Gratitude Calendar contains prompts for every day of November. Prompts like...
- What is one ordinary, everyday life moment you are thankful for?
- What trial or challenge are you thankful for now that you have come through it?
- What is an opportunity you’ve had to serve someone that you are thankful for?
Remember, gratitude isn't about faking a smile and pretending everything is okay when it's not. (I know full well that messiness doesn't stop just because it's Thanksgiving time!) It's about seeing the ways God shows us grace and mercy every day. When we cultivate gratitude—even in hard times—we are reminded that God walks with us no matter what we are going through.
There is a Bible verse written by the apostle Paul that is often quoted this time of year. It goes like this:
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)
I think it's easy to read that verse and feel guilty that we are not "thankful enough." So we try harder to be more grateful. And then we feel even more guilty when that doesn't work.
But then I think of the life Paul lived. It was full of challenges and hardships. He did not deny how hard things got for him. Yet, he was full of joy. I think when Paul expressed gratitude to God, it changed him. He became joyful and content. And that is why he continued giving thanks in all circumstances.
As I wrote the prompts for this calendar, a strange thing happened. I started thinking about how I would answer the questions. And as I did, I caught myself smiling! I was reminded of people and stories from my past, and all the beautiful ways God has moved (and is moving) in my life. I wasn't trying to be grateful. It came as a natural by-product of reflecting on God's goodness.
And so, I invite you to join me in reflecting on these prompts all month long. But as you do, my encouragement to you is this: Don't try harder to be "more thankful." Instead, answer the prompts honestly and see what happens. You may find yourself smiling unexpectedly! And, like Paul, you may naturally grow more grateful and content as you remember all the beautiful ways God has moved in your life.
Click the link below to download a free PDF of the Gratitude Calendar. Feel free to print it, stick it on the fridge, and use it all month long to help you and your family focus on everything you have to be thankful for!