If I didn't already know that Christmas 2013 is over and gone, it wouldn't take a divine revelation to figure it out. In fact, there is plenty of evidence to prove that one year has retreated into history and a new one has appeared to take its place. Doubt my conclusion? Then consider the following.
First, those eye-popping photos of desserts have disappeared, replaced by exhortations to join the local gym, munch strictly on vegetables and consume only those things that are calorie free. Or, as calorie free as possible. Access to dietary aids designed to rid you of excess pounds is remarkably easy and only requires a significant reduction in the weight of the contents of one's wallet.
Then, there is the matter of ingenious but quirky retail marketing. This past week I heard that a local store is taking the concept of "beating the season" to new extremes by stocking their now Christmas-free aisles with summer goods. In January. Before Valentine's Day. Or Easter. Perhaps it really is an act of kindness when I consider that those folks living through current mind-numbing cold might enjoy visions of seaside vacations. While sand pails, shovels and beach balls may do it for them, I live too close to the ocean to convince myself that water can be warm.
Finally, there is the reality of opportunities available only last year. Today we watched one of our granddaughters board a plane, headed for another province and the completion of her second year of university. Last year this time we consoled ourselves that she'd be back for the summer; she's got other plans for next summer.
How grateful I am that some things never change!
"He who calls you is utterly faithful and he will finish what he has set out to do." (1 Thessalonians 5:24 J.B. Phillips)
