If his momma said "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know which one you're gunna get," then last night I got one my favorites - a Sees milk chocolate almond caramel.

Forrest Gump found himself at the center of modern history - observing and even participating in events that were larger than life. He never quite understood how he got there.

As the sun set, along with some two hundred others, Carolyn and I were welcomed aboard "Reflection Cruise Lines." We were offered hors d'oeuvres and Martinellis. The honored couple sat like royalty at the boarding plank to welcome their friends. Our hostess, dressed neatly in a fashionable forties era navy dress and pill box hat with net lace, was their daughter - who planned and executed the party. It was the celebration of a marriage that as of this weekend has lasted sixty years.

In all likelihood, by every appearance, these two will stay together. A pretty safe bet. They've made it this far - looks like they are taking it right to the finish line.

Gathered in this large room, decorated to resemble the dining hall of a great cruise liner, were university presidents, community and government leaders, heads of major corporations (many retired), professionals - physicians, attorneys, accountants, business executives, authors, professors, ministers and para-church leaders… all there to honor a delightful pair who in sixty years of loving each other, in their own way have made the world a better place.

Carolyn and I are still uncertain about how in the world we finagled an invitation.

These two eighty-somethings cuddled up like a couple of lovebirds as the entire assembly rose to their feet and raised a glass in toast - to marriage and family and friends and love and life. Not a dry eye in the house.

Nostalgia reigned. From the singing "Do Whops" and their fifties harmonies ("Chattanooga Choo Choo") to a line-up of reminiscences from old friends, it was a grand waltz down memory lane.

It was more than the books he's written (over fifty titles). More than the organization he took over in the mid-sixties as a young CEO (a fledgling upstart concern that grew to become the third largest relief agency in the world). More than the organizations he founded which trained hundreds, maybe thousands of the nation's best known leaders. More than the seven honorary doctorates. More than the buildings which bear their names.

It is the hallmark of integrity that marks their lives. The warm and genuine spirituality. The realism that is overshadowed by optimism - their enthusiasm for what is good and what is right. The faithful friendship. The quiet confidence that in His wisdom and grace, the same God who brought them together in the beginning has sustained and energized them all these sixty years.

There's an added benefit to parties thrown for eighty-year-olds. They start early and end early.

Good thing because we still had one more assignment for the evening. We had another couple to visit.

One night. Two opposite ends of the marital spectrum. One couple celebrates six decades of life together. The other couple barely three months into their first year.

The album is in. The artistic labors of The Right Studio are now complete. It's the leather-bound photographic record of a day we will never forget: the wedding ceremony of our firstborn.

Kristyn and Ben saw the proofs, but not the finished product. The enlargements bring out all the detail - some in a sepia motif, others in bright clear color. Each carefully arranged page captures moments that passed all too quickly and would otherwise been lost to blurred mental images. The dress. The tux. The church. The guests. The wedding party. The exchange of vows. The unscripted moments. The scripted moments. The musicians. The flower girl and the ring bearer. The minister. The families gathered. The reception party. Everyone looking their very best. The bride and the groom. Wow. Central casting with an unlimited budget could not have found better subjects. This little album is a treasure to cherish for a lifetime.

And that was our second assignment of the evening - to deliver the album to the newlyweds in their new home just down the road from "The Reflection Cruise Line" anniversary party.

I fall in love with Carolyn all over again every time I walk up to the front door of Ben and Kristyn's little apartment. I'm not sure I can explain it. Except that it brings back a flood of memories of our first little place. The hand-me-down furniture. The well equipped kitchen (thanks to all those wedding gifts). The way Carolyn turned that little place into a home - on a shoestring budget. And the giddy excitement of living together - legitimately - and the simple but profound joy of having each other. Every day.

Kris and Ben were home - with two other young married couples. All six of them enjoying a Friday night - after a long week of hard work in varied fields - education, graduate school, music, municipal government and the stock market. They just finished dinner - and now were searching the Internet for a late movie.

But there was time to leaf through the new picture book. We all relived the milestone day that marks the beginning of a grand journey. These are the moments that make all the hard work worthwhile.

Ted and Dorothy Engstrom were four generations last night - children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They've logged sixty years. Kristyn and Ben are just beginning. Carolyn and I, with thirty years on the record books, are right in the middle.

* * * * *

Let's face it. Marriage is hard work. Raising children is a supreme test. Business demands in this competitive environment are greater than ever. Juggling all the balls in this pressure cooker we call modern society demands all the skill and concentration and finesse of a Barnum and Bailey Circus act.

Sometimes a ball gets dropped.

You know that little spat you had recently? That escape fantasy you've entertained? That wish for a life somewhere else… maybe even with someone else?

You are a leader. You've proven you are capable of good work. Admirable work. Significant work.

Take it from one fellow-struggler to another - hang in there. Stay the course. Keep the big picture in mind. The time will soon come on the "Reflection Cruise Line" we will raise a glass and celebrate your achievement. It's gunna be good.