The material, sensuous thought is grateful for effect and never considers cause. As enjoyable as it may be, the effect is isolated from its cause and grows old fast, and so carries with it latent fear and limitation.
The more thoughtful one will regard the cause or source of the effect, and in acknowledging it and being grateful for it, experiences a more satisfying sense of gratitude, more grounded, more secure.
An example we can all relate to is the child unwrapping a gift at Christmas. A quick thrill for getting just he wanted is usually followed with looking for the next gift, and when there are no more, a sad sense. However, if the child has an inherent sensitivity or perhaps has been educated well, she will look to the giver of the gift and be truly grateful for the love and care, and express it. This will actually bring more satisfaction than the gift itself!
More is expected of the adult, however, for unless the gratitude includes the Giver of all good, the latent fear and limitation hangs around due to the potential changeableness of the apparent source, be it person, job, economy, etc.
The Bible explains: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James) When this is understood, our Thanksgiving Day - and our everyday! - will be happier and holier, not building on sand, but upon the rock, Christ.