“Ghost Man on second and two outs” would have been a phrase that I announced more than a few times during my childhood. I loved to play neighborhood baseball. Since there was often only three or four of us playing we had to use our imaginations a bit.
If I hit a double allowing me to safely arrive at second base (which was usually represented by a reflector in the middle of the street), I would need to put a “Ghost Man” on second so that I could hit again.
Sometimes we would get really creative and announce, “Ghost Man just stole third!” Or, the defense would pick him off because his lead off was too aggressive.
Are you the ghost man?
I see and hear about a lot of “Ghost Men” within the home. Honestly, I have to be extremely intentional myself or I will be absent physically and other times mentally.
Let’s do a little self-examination:
- How much time each week do you spend face-to-face with your spouse?
- Subtract from that time the blocks when your attention is also given to a laptop, iPad, iPhone, television (yes, ESPN counts), or even a good book.
- Now, how much time each week are you truly investing in your relationship with your wife?
- How much time each week do you spend face-to-face with your children?
- Subtract from that time the blocks when your attention is also given to a laptop, iPad, iPhone, television, a good book, and even the times when your are just watching them play t-ball, soccer, etc.
- Now, how much time each week are you truly investing in your relationships with your children?
Before we talk about how that time should be used, I would encourage you to look at those answers. Yes, actually add and subtract, then find the answers to the questions.
Have you placed a “Ghost Man” as husband and/or father in your home?
Men, we need to come to grips with the reality that ‘husband’ and ‘father’ are not merely titles bestowed up on us. These words are biblical ideas which are defined by leading and cultivating functions in the home which demand time and attention.
If your child is 7 years old, then you probably have about 11 years left before they leave home. If your child is about that age then you know how fast 11 years will fly by you. Do you need to make some changes?
Questions: What are your biggest obstacles to being present mentally and physically with your wife and children?
Matt Powell serves as teaching pastor at Crossings Community Church, a body of believers whose mission is to engage, equip, and empower homes for gospel transformation in Katy, TX.