I love satellite radio. Since sliced bread, I can’t think of anything comparable. Commercial free, varied and so many offerings. I renew it every three years. My renewal came up so I called to renew for another three years and the operator said, “for an additional $60.00 you can have it forever?” I was stumped. Do I choose “forever” or the “three years.” (The decisions we must make in life.) I paused and said, “Is satellite going out of business soon?” The operator laughed and assured me that no, it’s here to stay. I’m thinking what does “forever” mean in business anyway. Will my hardware store be here forever and my pharmacy be beside me for all time?

I bought the “forever” and will never make another payment for the rest of my life. Pretty cool, I think.

I have a wedding ceremony soon and thought I’d talk about “forever.” I could talk forever but thought it best to contain it to a few minutes. What does “forever” mean in marriage these days anyway? In our U.S. culture, I think I’d make a Vegas bet. A $20,000.00 wedding ceremony and the bets are on five married years, tops. We’re too influenced by others to decide otherwise. It’s too convenient to get out of a marriage these days. (I love the ads for “Christian divorce attorneys” who swear that there’s a calm, civilized way of divorcing. I think that contradicts what divorce is, it should be divisive and hurtful. Otherwise, why do it? Also, what’s so “calm and civilized” about Christianity?)

The Catholic Church ends many prayers with “forever and ever.” Overkill? I agree. “Forever” isn’t enough. The Church needs to add another “ever” after it? (Will this marriage ever end?!)

Spiritually, “forever” means right now, this day. What are you doing now and what can you do? What are you thinking about and hoping for right now? Our “nows” make “forever” happen.

I’m enjoying satellite radio…. now.