On Feb. 28, 2008, something happened that caused quite a stir for millions of people worldwide. The coffee industry known as Starbucks came to a screeching halt for three hours.

CEO Howard Schultz believed his famous coffee had become less than the best. The pastries were starting to “out smell” the Caffè Lattes and Caffè Mochas.

Schultz shut down more than 170,000 Starbucks in order to make one thing perfectly clear to his employees: We need to be the best at coffee! So for three hours, the baristas were re-trained to brew coffee perfectly, create an amazing Mocha Frappuccino and wow the world with a superior Iced Caffè Con Leche (with lots of whipped cream).

Schultz decided to cut back on the pastries and get back to what Starbucks was supposed to do best, and it took a timeout to get there.

Let me ask you: What do you do well? What are you great at and do with ease? What are you called to be and do? What do you excel at while God smiles? Perhaps you need a three-hour timeout to figure out what you are hardwired to do.

I am convinced that in order to care for our souls, we each eventually will need to call a timeout. In order to rediscover who we are, we need a timeout. To figure out our identity, intimacy and vocational issues, we need a timeout. I believe a timeout will help us discern our calling in life. Coaches call them, and so do parents. Howard Schultz called one for three hours. Maybe it’s time for your own timeout.

Slow Down
Instead of slowing our pace, we accelerate. Too many leaders think busyness is “next to godliness.” It isn’t, but activity-driven Christianity is at an all-time high. We constantly plan and promote concerts, fish fries, benefits, trips, missions, kids club, VBS, food and fellowship.

Whatever happened to a ministry of slowness? Why did Jesus try to get away from people sometimes? “That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea” (Matthew 13:1). Later, Jesus got away again. “Now when Jesus heard about John (his cousin being beheaded), He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself” (Matthew 14:13). Following the feeding of the 5,000, notice the next verse, “Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away” (Matthew 14:22). Jesus knew His needs. He knew His limits. He knew when to be with people and when to get away. Dare we say He called a timeout?

Get Away
Is it time for you to experience a getaway? What is the state of your soul?

My youth worker friend Chad was exhausted. He felt trapped in his church job. His wife encouraged him to head for the mountains for a timeout. He came back refreshed and excited about a new vision and calling. Perhaps you could use a fresh infusion of excitement and vision. Maybe now is a good time to stop the busyness and insanity. When was your last restful day off? Have you had a true Sabbath recently?

Why not take three hours away from the cell phone, TV and laptop? Sounds refreshing, doesn’t it? Grab your Bible and a notebook; climb into your car; and find a place where you can enjoy some solo time with Jesus. Who knows—you may come back with a renewed, invigorated dream and passion for your life, ministry and family. You never will know until you try. Don’t forget to make sure the Caramel Macchiato is perfectly brewed!