A vast audience tunes in weekly to the hit television comedy “Friends”. Many were sad to see the series come to an end after ten successful seasons. I am not a fan of sitcoms and seldom watch them. But I am intrigued as to why so many people tune in every week to watch “Friends”. Many people have told me that it was funny, creative, with surprising twists, and involved characters who stuck together as friends despite their imperfections.

All people need and desire to have such friends. Aristotle wrote, “Without friendships no one would choose to live, even if they had all other good things in life.”

The lady at the coffee bar looked happy. “Do you like your job?” I asked her. “Oh, yes, I love it here. I hope I can stay here forever,” she replied. “Forever is a long time,” I said. “Do you think you’ll live that long?”

The barista was obviously contented. But many people can’t imagine themselves doing their present job forever. Forever means a limitless time – eternity. The truth is we will all spend forever either in heaven or hell. The choice is ours determined by the decisions we make today.

It is intriguing that Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding in Cana. The Son of God reaffirmed his blessing on marriage. After all, marriage is God's idea, not mans. "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." (See Genesis 2:22-25) Jesus and his mother Mary were both invited to this wedding in Cana. It was a festive and joyous occasion. Jesus celebrated with the young couple. God celebrates the love and commitment found between husband and wife in marriage.

For Ron McMann (not his real name) this particular day would go down as a “Red Letter Day”. Sales and stock for his company had never been higher. His employees were productive and prospering. He had peace and hope for the first time in months – perhaps years. But this red-letter day was not due to his business or financial success. But it was due to the fact that for the first time in months, or actually years, he looked forward to getting home to be with his wife.

We all need to celebrate the significant milestones in our lives. On August 28th my wife and I will celebrate 35 years of marriage. Some asked me what the key to a lasting and loving marriage is. I don’t want to give the impression that our marriage is perfect or that we have arrived after 35 years – on the contrary. It’s not always been smooth sailing. There have been many trials and struggles. Even roses have thorns to contend with. Pure gold must go through the refiner’s fire.