Occasionally, while I am spending time with God in his word, I am hit with a thought. It may seem odd, but when I am obedient and follow it, I often find something pretty nifty that I believe I was being told to find and share.
Here are some of these not-so-random teachings from God's word.
If it didn't cost you anything, you probably don't value it highly. Only through expending a part of ourselves can we truly come to value something or someone else. People sometimes say they want something easily...but things attained easily are not often treasured.
Once upon a time, it was traditional for a man to spend two months' salary on an engagement ring for his intended. Two months' salary! I am not sure how much that might mean for you currently single gentlemen out there in blogland, but it would rack up into the thousands for many. Not that that is a bad thing, of course, but it can look impractical. One month's salary should do it. 
Think about it. You have to invest time, generally, to save up that money. You wouldn't just decide not to eat, pay rent, maintain the car, insure all necessary items, have water and heat or air, and whatever else is considered normal for you. And you certainly wouldn't refrain from entertaining your significant other while saving to buy her a ring, right? So, you would save up for the ring. A little this month, some more next month, etc. Effort. Or, you'd buy it with plastic and spend months paying it off. Still, effort. Thought. Putting part of yourself, your irreplaceable time, into this gift for someone who mattered very much.
Childbirth is a time of endurance and sometimes suffering for moms and dads, too. The trials of pregnancy, the limitations, the possible expense of prenatal care and clothes, as well as the constant thought of, "doing this for the baby" can and often does add "value" to the baby itself. What we suffer for, we tend to regard with more respect. Love is heightened when there have been sacrifices made for the object of our love.
Some sacrifices are visible. Money, effort, sweat, tears, wrinkles, grey hair. Some are invisible. Prayer, concern, time spent involved in relationships, doing whatever is necessary to make things happen, to enhance the relationship, to lend a shoulder or an ear.
Sometimes, we remember to stop and say thank you to those who have sacrificed for us. What we should remember, though, is to stop and reflect on those for whom we sacrifice...for they enrich our lives and spirits, even if they are a heart-burden.
Love is heightened through sacrifice. Look into the face of a combat veteran as he or she sings the national anthem. Look into the face of a husband or wife at the funeral of their spouse. Look into the face of a couple after the birth of a child.
And then...look into your own face. 
Remember, through all you do for others, that there is someone, likely, who is spending some time and/or effort on you. In sacrifice of some irreplaceable resource.
Smile. You are loved. Remember it and be thankful.