The $50,000 bedtime thought experiment

In this tender, emotional episode, Bob and Linda open up about a simple idea that completely reframed how they parent: the "$50,000 Moment."

It started with a story Bob read — one so moving he couldn't finish it without crying — about a dad who imagined paying $50,000 to relive a single bedtime with his 10-year-old. That thought experiment changed him, and now it's changing the Lotich household too.

If you're a parent (or even if you aren't), this episode will recalibrate how you see the people in your life and remind you of the beauty tucked into ordinary days.

In This Episode:

• The story that made Bob stop checking the clock at bedtime
• Why we forget the voices of our kids at different ages
• The biblical wisdom behind remembering the brevity of life
• How to recognize "$50,000 moments" in real time
• Why presence is a discipleship practice—not a personality trait
• What Jesus and Mr. Rogers both modeled about "holy slowness"
• How this principle applies to more than kids
• A tender story about Bob's uncle and what it taught him about presence

Scripture Mentioned (NLT):

• Psalm 90:12 — "Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom."

Key Takeaways:

1. You won't realize the value of a moment until it's gone. Bob shares how he can no longer remember what his now-11-year-old sounded like as a six-year-old—and how that realization hit him like a ton of bricks.
2. Future you would pay anything to get today back. The "time-machine thought experiment" reframes bedtime, routines, and interruptions as priceless opportunities.
3. Presence is a form of love—and discipleship. Looking at the way Jesus interacted with people, we see an invitation to slow down and be with those around us.
4. This isn't just about kids. Parents, friends, coworkers, church community members—none of us are guaranteed another moment together.
5. You don't have to create regrets. You can create reminders. Bob calls them $50,000 moments—a cue to pause, breathe, and fully engage.

Practical Ways to Apply This:

• Ask yourself during ordinary moments: "If I had to pay to relive this, how much would I spend?"
• During bedtime or stressful transitions, picture your 80-year-old self watching.
• Treat others—kids, friends, the barista, the bus driver—as people God placed in your path today.
• Practice the "Fred Rogers pause": give full attention to whoever is in front of you.

Links & Mentions:

• Gradually, Then Suddenly by Mark Batterson
• Let's Retire Retirement by Derek Coburn

Share This Episode

If you know a parent in the thick of it, or someone who needs a reminder to slow down and savor what matters—send this to them.

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