Welcome to the future

Today begins the Year of Our Lord 2007--and I still don't have my jet pack. I know that, in Heaven, one of the infinite number of conversations I'll have with God will go something like this:

"Lord, what about the personal jet packs?"

"Michael, my child, you're actually the reason I never allowed jet packs to make it into the consumer marketplace. Think about it. Aren't you the last person who needed to be flying around over a crowd of people when something went wrong with your jet pack? Hmm? Meteors plummeting to Earth have done less damage!"

"Yes, Lord, I see your point. And thank You for the vivid analogy..."

In 2007, as with every year we haven't practiced saying, it'll take awhile to say "2007" fluently; while you're practicing, please resist the urge to say "Two thousand and seven." It's a waste of time, breath, and energy.

It will also take some time to write it properly, especially on our checks. Be forewarned that a "5" is much easier to turn into a "6" than a "6" is to turn into a "7." Just go slowly--you'll get it.

What will this new year bring us? What's hot, and what's not? Who's in, and who's out? We'll be bombarded with pontifications from style mavens, trendsetters, pundits, and others who are uncomfortably free with their opinions. Feel free to ignore them, for we have been given an ageless recommendation regarding three things that are always "in," and that will help shape any New Year's resolutions into ones that are worthwhile. Micah 6:8 came to mind this morning: "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

More on that later. Breakfast is ready. And not just any breakfast--the first breakfast of the future...

--Mike