Thanksgiving is a time of looking back with gratitude. It is a time when collectively we gather in communities of the heart to remind one another that regardless of the circumstances of the past, the present holds something, somewhere to be thankful for.

Memories aren’t only tied to the past however.

Memories help to shape hopes and dreams. And while the phrase, “remembering the future,” may sound strange probably a day doesn’t go by that you don’t tell yourself or someone else to remember something in the future (“Remember to lock the door, shut off the lights, pick up the milk” etc).

As we turn from thanks giving to gift giving, I urge you to remember the future by giving daily gifts of time and focused attention that will create foundational memories in your loved ones futures. Because compassion, trust and love consistently experienced in the past and the present are love, trust and compassion remembered in the future . . . and that is a gift worth anticipating.