Savoring the Giver, Not Just the Gift

Choosing a “Word of the Year” (WOTY) is always an exciting spiritual milestone, but sometimes one year isn’t enough to truly let a concept take root. As I move into 2026, I’ve decided to continue my 2025 journey with the word SAVOR.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

Psalm 34:8— NLT

In a world that demands we “go, go, go,” savoring feels like a quiet act of rebellion—and a beautiful act of worship. However, as I’ve sat with this word over the last year, I’ve realized there is a thin, often blurry line between mindful savoring and mindless indulgence. One draws us closer to the Creator; the other usually helps us hide from Him.

The Heart of the Matter: Savoring vs. Indulgence

At first glance, they look similar. Both involve enjoying something good—like a beautiful sunset, a quiet morning, or a slice of strawberry graham dessert. But the spiritual “posture” of our hearts is entirely different.

Indulgence is often about “more.” It’s a temporary fix for a deeper hunger. It is frequently mindless, used to numb ourselves or to escape the stresses of the day. When we indulge, we often consume the gift while ignoring the Giver.

Savoring, on the other hand, is about “presence.” It is the intentional act of slowing down to acknowledge the goodness of God in a specific moment. Savoring requires us to be awake and grateful. It’s not just about the thing we are enjoying; it’s about the God who provided it. As Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Savoring allows us to do exactly that.

Examples of Mindless Indulgence

We’ve all been here. It’s the “autopilot” mode of consumption, where we finish something and realize we didn’t even truly experience it.

• The Scrolling Sinkhole: Spending an hour on your phone not because you’re learning or connecting, but because you’re too tired or bored to do anything else.
• The Distracted Meal: Eating an entire plate of food (or that delicious dessert!) while watching TV or checking emails, without ever actually tasting a single bite.
• The Retail “High”: Buying something new to get a quick rush of excitement, only for the item to sit unused in a bag a week later.
• The Hurried Prayer: Rushing through a list of requests like a grocery list, without taking a moment to sit in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Examples of Mindful Savoring

Savoring turns an ordinary moment into an altar of praise. It slows time down.

• The Morning Brew: Taking that first sip of coffee and intentionally thanking God for the warmth, the aroma, and the gift of a new day.
• Deep Listening: Truly hearing a friend or spouse without thinking about your response, savoring the connection and the person God placed in your life.
• The “Wait” in the Recipe: Like waiting for a no-bake dessert to set, using that “waiting time” to breathe, pray, or simply notice the light in the kitchen rather than rushing to the next task.
• Nature Walks: Not just walking for exercise, but stopping to look at the intricate veins in a leaf or the color of the sky, acknowledging the Great Artist.

The 2026 Takeaway

Indulgence leaves us feeling empty and looking for the next “hit.” Savoring leaves us feeling full and looking toward God. This year, let’s challenge ourselves to move from consuming our lives to communing through them. When we savor, we find that God’s grace isn’t just in the big miracles—it’s in the creamy icing, the quiet mornings, and the breath in our lungs.

Don’t just finish your day; savor the God who met you in it.

I’m linking up this month with these AMAZING Blog Hop/Link-Up party hostesses!