Well Words Wednesday: Our Health Is Better in November
11 05 2025
How gratitude, rest and reflection renew both body and soul
The Rhythm of November
Growing up, I remember being intrigued by a particular book on one of our built-in bookcases. It stood out to me for two reasons. First, the hardback book was covered in a deep red fabric and on the front cover there was a well sketched hunting dog, in a contrasting gold color. The dog appeared to be frozen, mid stride, one paw lifted slightly off the ground with its tail sticking straight behind like an arrow, nose pointed straight ahead. This had a very pleasing visual appeal, but it was the words on the binding that truly piqued my curiosity and interest. It read “My Health Is Better in November.” This well-worn book on our bookcase was written by Havilah Babcock (1898-1964), an author and well-beloved professor and chair of the English Department at the University of South Carolina.
You might wonder why that title appealed to me as a young child. I think it was because I had a particular fondness for the month of November since it was the month of my birth. In addition, I loved the season of fall with its cool, crisp air and the colorful display of leaves which, after their vibrant show, would put on a show of another kind as they were lifted and tossed about by a good wind, finally swirling down to the ground. November slows the world down. The air cools, the light softens, and creation seems to whisper, “Rest and give thanks.” It is a month for reflection and gratitude — two gifts that do more for our health than we often realize. After months of activity, the world slows its pace. Nature knows something we often forget — that rest and gratitude are not luxuries, but part of God’s design for health and wholeness.
This slowing season invites us to take inventory of our lives — to breathe deeply, to look back with thankfulness, and to prepare our hearts for Advent. When we accept that invitation, something beautiful happens: our health begins to flourish, body and soul.
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.” Psalm 92:1
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 107:1
The Healing Power of Gratitude
Modern science tells us that gratitude lowers blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and releases “happy hormones.” But Scripture taught it first:
- “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17:22
- “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When we give thanks, we realign our bodies with the truth of God’s goodness. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is missing to what has been mercifully provided. Each “thank you” becomes a small act of healing.
Rest as Resistance
November teaches us to slow down. The trees drop their leaves not in defeat, but in trust — knowing new life will come again. What if we practiced that kind of holy surrender?
Rest is not laziness; it is resistance. It declares that we are not machines but beloved children of God. When we rest, we proclaim that God is in control and we are not.
Even Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16). If the Son of God needed rest, how much more do we?
The Gift of Reflection
As the year nears its end, November invites us to reflect — not with regret, but with reverence. Reflection turns memories into testimonies. It allows us to see how even pain became a teacher, and how God’s faithfulness carried us through.
Reflection heals our minds because it roots our identity not in what went wrong, but in the One who never left.
Preparing the Heart for Advent
Soon Advent begins — a time of waiting and hope. November prepares the soil of the heart for that waiting. Gratitude, rest, and reflection clear space for peace. And peace is healing.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” Isaiah 26:3
A Simple Practice for the Month
- 🌞 Each morning, name three things for which you are grateful.
- 🌙 Each evening, release one thing you cannot control into God’s hands.
- 🕊️ Each Sunday, rest without guilt.
When your soul finds rest, your body follows.
A Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the month of November and the healing rhythm of this season.
Teach us to breathe deeply, to rest well, and to give thanks continually.
Heal our bodies and our minds as we prepare for the coming of Your Son.
May our hearts be full of peace, our spirits light with gratitude,
and our health renewed by Your grace.
Amen.
