Do you like to receive gifts? Give gifts? Do you like to watch and feel the reaction of another when they receive the gift you have given with special thought for what they would like? Have you ever thought, “I would really like to give a gift, but I’m so low on money, I can’t afford to.” Have I got an idea for you! My daughter is creative with gifts.

We’re from the US and celebrate Valentines Day or Friendship Day on February 14. She spent more than 9 hours drawing 4 different cards that she could then photocopy (at less than 20 centavos a copy), color them and give to her friends. Undivided attention for her friends. The gifts I’ll always remember from her are the little, handwritten notes saying, “This card entitles you and Mom to have a date. I’ll be at home. You have fun together”. She may or may not add a few bolivianos to help with a dinner. Time given undividedly for us. I have a friend who I love talking to. I know that whenever I’m talking to him, he will always be focusing 100% of his attention on me and our conversation – not on who might be passing by on the sidewalk, or eavesdropping on the conversation going on next to us, or even checking his watch as if he has something more important to do. Undivided attention. Undivided attention does not cost one centavo. Undivided attention promises dividends beyond any bank interest rate or investment. Undivided attention earns respect, love and future payback. Could there be a better investment ever? There is a park right in front of my house. Every Sunday I’ll see couples sitting together for hours. Sometimes they talk; sometimes they just hold hands and look into each others eyes. My dog can bolt from our gate, barking and chasing another dog right past where they’re sitting. They don’t even look! I don’t think an earthquake could separate them! What a gift they’re giving each other. OK, I remember when I was courting my wife – I was pretty focused too. What would our families be like if we would give 10 minutes of undivided attention to our spouse and our children every day? I mean undivided! Jesus once told his disciples that no one can ever serve 2 masters at the same time – it just doesn’t work. Just 10 minutes would earn unbelievable dividends! None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect. As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.