The just-baked, golden-brown turkey looked mouth-watering, the mashed potatoes were whipped to perfection, the veggies appeared so healthy, and the dessert was something to go on a diet over.

The family gathered around the table, gave thanks to God for the food and proceeded to eat away.

Moments later the comments began flying: "Man, these potatoes are too mushy." "The turkey is overbaked and too dry." "Yech! I hate vegetables." "Oh, no, this isn't chocolate haupia pie — it's tofu carob." Etc.

Sadly, I have been guilty of doing this many times. Amazing, isn't it? One minute, we are giving thanks to God; moments later, we're griping about it! This shouldn't be.

This may seem like a little thing — but a little tear in a piece of fabric, if not mended right away, will only get bigger. Pretty soon we're not truly thankful for anything and we forget about God's blessings in our lives.

We develop a Bart Simpson attitude toward God. In a Thanksgiving "Simpsons" show a few years ago, Bart is asked to give thanks and says: "God, you didn't give us this food. We worked for it. So thanks for nothing."

That attitude is an example of the truth of Romans 1:21: "For even though they knew God, they did not honor him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations and their foolish heart was darkened."

Giving thanks to God is a way of worshipping him. We are acknowledging his work in our lives, the many ways he has blessed us. We are recognizing him for being gracious and merciful to us. We are remembering his goodness to us.

Being thankful is not a suggestion from God; it is a command (Ephesians 5: 18-20. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Philippians 4:6,7). One way we can cultivate a heart of thankfulness is by expressing it to people.

"Mom, thanks for driving us to the mall." "Thanks, Dad, for putting gas in my car." "Thanks for taking out the trash." "Thanks for helping watch the kids." "Thanks for listening." "Thanks for your help." "Thanks for putting me on restriction!"

We can also begin each day by expressing thanks to God for whatever comes to mind. "Thank you, Lord, for another day of life, for my family, for your son dying on the cross for my sins, for eternal life, for your Holy Spirit living in me, for opportunities to share with others about you, for this food which you have provided for me."

Count your blessings and give thanks to him with a joyful heart.

The Rev. Dennis Mendoza is an associate pastor at International Baptist Church.