FAMILY: Time & Attention. The Greatest Gifts We Can Give.

MTN OPS Core Value: “Because we believe family is the fundamental unit of community, we desire the type of environment that promotes healthy families." 

Whose Bids Are You Accepting?

A few years ago, I had a dream I’ll never forget. I was standing on a stage in front of a large crowd, some faces familiar, some not. All of them were raising their hands at different times, bidding for something. It took me a moment to realize… I was the auctioneer, and they were bidding for my time and attention.

Among the sea of hands, I found my family, my wife and children, off to the right, quietly but urgently raising their hands, eyes locked on mine. Their look was clear: “Please don’t look away.”

I woke up that morning and dropped to my knees like I always do, but something was different. The vision didn’t fade. If anything, it became more vivid. I could still feel the pressure of the stage, the choice of who would get my time, and who would not. 

That dream reshaped how I look at time. It reminded me that time and attention are the most valuable things I have to offer, and that my family should never be outbid.

A Challenge for July

This July, I want to challenge all of us to take inventory. Ask yourself:

• Who is bidding for my time?
• Am I giving my best to those who matter most? 

This month, let’s intentionally realign our calendars, our focus, and our hearts. Be present. Be intentional. Put the phone down. Go on the walk. Sit at the dinner table. Say “yes” to the slow moments. Say “no” to what can wait.

When our time is up, and it will be someday, I hope we’re remembered as people who gave it to the right bidders.

Let’s choose to give more time and attention to those who matter most.