Hashem's Special Gift to You

SimchaMinute by Rabbi Avigdor Miller 

Shabbas is a celebration of Hashem’s special relationship with the nation of Yisrael. It is a special gift that Hashem gave us in recognition of our having been chosen by Him..

Merely to go through the motions of shopping and cooking in preparation for Shabbas, and keeping the Shabbas without thinking once of its significance — the body is working without the participation of the mind and they have not fulfilled the mitzvah. — Ohr Avigdor Shaar Avodas Elokim