Have you ever pondered what it means to, “give thanks?” We frequently use that expression to refer to offering a prayer before we eat our meal. Numerous times, I’ve been asked to, “say grace,” or, “return thanks,” before we share in a meal. I imagine that this afternoon, as we gather with friends to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal, I may be called upon to offer a similar prayer, but I wonder, is giving thanks merely asking God to bless our food and our fellowship, or is there something much deeper at work in these moments.

A dear friend invited me to a meal with his wife and her family. It was wonderful to spend some time with them and yes, I was asked to pray before the meal. The most amazing memory of that day, however, was the conversation I shared with my friend’s brother-in-law.

As we sat across from each other eating our food, he began to share his own thoughts on giving thanks. He said, “So often, I see people saying, ‘thank you,’ to God for their food, yet they never enjoy their meal. They pause for a moment before they begin and then rush to be finished.”

“What do you think they should do,” I asked, to which he replied, “I can tell you what I do. Say I am having fish for dinner. I give thanks to God for providing me with the fish to eat and for the fish that has given its life for me, then, I really enjoy the fish. I believe the greatest act of thanksgiving I can offer is to truly appreciate and savor the gift I am given.”

I was speechless and convicted. I thought of how frequently I offered a quick word of thanks for my food and then ate so quickly I barely remembered the taste of the food. I could not think of the last time I ate something, savoring each bite as a gift.

As I recall his words, I am still convicted, though I do make a greater effort to slow down and appreciate what I am given. I realize that thanksgiving is so much more that the words of thanks we share, and I recognize that savoring our blessings applies to so much more than food. Every gift, every moment is an opportunity to give thanks by fully enjoying the gift I am given.

Today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, it is my goal to take one more step toward appreciating the gift of life and the life-giving gifts that are shared with me. I plan to savor every bite of turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries and pie. I also anticipate relishing each conversation, each person around the table, each story, laugh and smile. I want to climb into bed tonight knowing that I blessed God for the many blessings of this day with my words, with my attentiveness, and with my life.

Will you join me in truly giving thanks by living thanks? May your Thanksgiving Day be blessed, and may you be blessed in your thanksgiving.