Savor the Season
sa·vor
/ˈsāvər/
Verb
1. to taste and enjoy something completely; to appreciate something pleasant, especially by dwelling on it.
2. to enjoy a food or an experience slowly, in order to appreciate it as much as possible
When I think of the word “savor,” the first thing that comes to my mind is…CHOCOLATE! I have a confession to make. Sometimes, in the middle of a busy day, I feel the need to pause and unwrap my favorite sweet treat, a Lindor chocolate truffle! The decadent outer shell crunches as I take the first bite. The smooth ganache filling feels like silk on my taste buds and its velvety texture makes my tongue tingle! (Is your mouth watering yet?!) I take each bite slowly and carefully. I try to make each morsel last as long as I possibly can. Yet, as hard as I try, the truffle eventually melts away and my moment of bliss comes to an end. Inevitably, the pause button of life needs to be resumed and I must get back to the tasks of the day. But nonetheless, I love to savor it. As the above definition implies, I love to taste and enjoy every hint of flavor that the chocolate truffle can provide. I love to dwell in this moment a bit longer than necessary in order to appreciate its full measure of delectability.
All this talk of chocolate reminds me of Psalms 34:8! It reads, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Chocolate is a momentary pleasure that only satisfies the taste buds. It cannot satisfy the soul. But this verse tells us to savor something else. Something that is eternal. Something that is far sweeter than anything else here on earth – the goodness of the Lord!
When was the last time that you hit the pause button to taste and see that the Lord is good? I don’t know about you, but in this busy holiday season, I can get caught up in the hustle and bustle that I forget to look at the Lord’s goodness that is all around me! After all, there are meals to cook, pies to bake, gifts to wrap, family members to visit, and events to attend! Phew! The demanding schedule of the holidays makes hitting the pause button a difficult task! Yet, Scripture instructs us, again and again, to give thanks in ALL circumstances!
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!” (Psalm 105:1-2)
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” (Psalms 9:1-2)
If you’re like me, you are looking at your December calendar and wondering how you will ever find time to breathe, much less give thanks! The rhythms of life can seem never-ending and mundane. However, I would challenge you to make this holiday season an interruption to these rhythms. Find time to put aside the to-do lists and the shopping lists to spend time with the Savior. Be still in His presence and allow the cares of the world to disappear. Choose to stop and recognize the moments of bliss that are all around you. Don’t let December slip away without giving thanks to the Lord and savoring His goodness.
When the kids are singing in their Christmas concert – savor.
When your favorite Christmas song comes on the radio—savor.
When you finally see that cousin who lives far away—savor.
When the beauty of the snow glistens on the ground – savor.
When the final ornament is placed on the tree – savor.
When the family is all gathered around the table – savor.
Savor the season. Savor the Lord’s goodness and give thanks for the blessings that He has given you.
Like chocolate, this season will melt away, but before it does, let’s savor it!
About the Author:
Brooke Finkbiner is the Office Administrator for PennDel Women. She is a lover of Jesus, music, creativity, and cozy scarves. She teaches piano from her home in McAlisterville and is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God. Brooke and her husband, Adam, also serve as the worship directors at Journey Christian Church in Thompsontown, PA. In her free time, Brooke enjoys writing, traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.