Afterthoughts

My little brother is getting married in a week. What?!  It's crazy how quickly time flies. The past couple months are a blur of showers, games, gifts, and family. Last weekend was the last shower and all the ladies were asked to write down advice for Bailey. I'm not married and would probably be more qualified to tell someone what not to do, but one thing I read the night before jumped out at me: 

"It [love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV - this is important)

So often the other verses in 1 Corinthians are cited, but I think this point is crucial. It says "trusts" instead of "believes." There must be trust in a relationship, and, alternately, belief. You can't put your belief in another person, but you can, and absolutely must, trust them. (After looking into other translations, "believes" is historically more prevalent and I know nothing. However, I think the point is still very much relevant that there must be a solid foundation of belief for any long-term love to stand a chance. This is also the first time I've preferred the NIV version, so keep an open-mind, folks.)

The other three words bring their own thoughts, but that was a bit of a revelation for me and the advice that I gave my future sister-in-law. Protect, trust, hope, persevere.