I always thought my priorities were in order even when we were raising our three children, all under the age of four. Then one day a friend asked how much time I spent with them. I answered confidently, "A lot."  

Then he asked, "How much time to do spend looking them in the eyes and listening?" That's when I honestly responded, "Not much." I realized much of my time listening to them, I was preoccupied with laundry and supper and phone calls.  

At that moment, I pledged to take five minutes each day to stop, look into their eyes, and listen to them. The return on that 5 minute investment? Priceless. The mutual connection and caring amazed me!

Then it occurred to me, "I wonder if this applies to my husband?" I realized I wasn't looking into his eyes and listening much either! So I began to take five minutes a day to stop...and look into the eyes of the people I love...and listen. That is a small easy step in living our priorities. The connection and caring, priceless.

Will you join me in stopping and looking into the eyes of the people you love and listening? They will love it...and so will you. Valentine's Day and every day.