Blessings

While reading Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food I came upon this quote that I think especially applies to us Latter-day Saints as we pray over our food.

To eat slowly, then, also means to eat deliberately, in the original sense of that word: 'from freedom' instead of compulsion. Many food cultures, particularly those at less of a remove from the land than ours, have rituals to encourage this sort of eating, such as offering a blessing over the food or saying grace before the meal. The point, it seems to me, is to make sure that we don't eat thoughtlessly or hurriedly, and that knowledge and gratitude will inflect our pleasure at the table.

How often do we forget the promised blessings that come from being fully obedient to the Word of Wisdom? How often do we forget to be grateful?

18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen. Doctrine and Covenants 89: 18-21