When we call timeouts, it should be our way of changing momentum, challenging ourselves, making adjustments, calculating effectiveness, or just providing needed rest, renewal and reflection to keep going. Timeouts can sure become game changers when used wisely. How good are you at calling them, taking them?

As for personal timeouts, I've burned more of them in the last couple of months than I have in a while. Some of them have been hard. All of them have become good.

I've looked intently at what I do, how I do it, and most importantly, why. Have you had a good season of timeouts recently too?

Be comforted in calling personal timeouts. God asks us to and promises to bless these moments when we take them. (Haggai 2:19) In fact, He mentions this subject five times in the very short, two-chapter book of Haggai He wants us to assess these things:

Reflect:

SATISFACTION: Is what I am pursuing, what I am doing, truly satisfying (Haggai 1:6)?

WASTE: Is there wasted time, talents, treasure going on in me? Are my timeouts just about watching movies, vacationing, entertaining myself (Haggai 1:6)?

WORSHIP: What or who am I worshipping besides Him? Are there any idols? Am I maintaining good spiritual priorities (Haggai 1:7-9)?

FOUNDATION: Does what I'm currently about reflect who I am, whose I am? Am I standing on good ground, or are my foundations crumbling? Do I need to rebuild my foundation (Haggai 2:18)?

PRODUCTIVITY: Am I still producing fruit or living off leftovers? Am I still connected to my life-giving Vine? What does my current inventory look like (Haggai 2:19; John 15:4,5)?

A prayer to consider: LORD, I don't want potential wins in my life to slip away. And I sure want to experience comeback wins. Help me to sense when critical timeouts are needed, both full ones and quickies, to assess and adjust as needed.

I so look forward to the blessings You promise as I take timeouts for You, with You … and maybe with others too. Thank You for growing my timeout management. Amen.

"This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength ..." Isaiah 30:15 (NIV).