Wanna get away?

“Wanna get away?”

I love those Southwest Airlines commercials. You know—the ones where someone does something really goofy and embarrassing and the voiceover says, “Wanna get away?”

We’ve all been there. We’ve had those moments when we just wanted to melt into a crack in the floor. Or at the very least, could we just rewind this situation and do it over?

Honestly, I think we would all like the “rewind” feature added to our life kit. Not just for the embarrassing moments, but for the times when we simply realize that we could have handled a situation better. If only we would have known then what we know now, we would have negotiated that turn in the road of life much more effectively.

But, alas, the “rewind” feature is not one of our available upgrades.

But what about the “get away” feature? That’s one that we have built in. Our issue is learning to use it in the right way for each circumstance.

As I have pondered that this morning, I have identified at least three possible variations of the “get away” feature that each of us has available.

One is the “run away” option. This option is about escape. Sometimes it is absolutely appropriate. There are times when we need to get away from dangerous or abusive situations.

But sometimes we use the “run away” option to escape uncomfortable or inconvenient circumstances. We use it to bail on relationships. We use it to shirk responsibility.

We use it to leave.

A second variation is the “walk away” option. To tell the truth, I wish we would learn to use this more effectively. This option is about refusing to escalate. This option is about realizing that you don’t have to accept every invitation to argue. You don’t have to comment on every Facebook post with which you disagree.

As our culture has become more polarized, we need to remember that it is possible—and sometimes more honorable—to refuse to pour more gasoline on the dumpster fire.

When there is nothing positive to be gained by engaging, just walk away.

The third variation is the “step away” option. It is different from the “walk away” option in that it is an intentional and strategic step back—a retreat, if you will—for the sake of gaining perspective. This option is about a refocus. Sometimes we have just had our nose to the grindstone too long. Sometimes we can’t see the forest because certain trees have claimed too much of our attention.

Sometimes we just need to take a step back and take a fresh look so that when we return we are better prepared to face what’s next.

And here’s the kicker: sometimes a “step away” right now can help us avoid a “run away” later.

I actually did that last week. I intentionally stepped away from normal activities, from electronic communication, and from social media for the sake of rest, reflection, and quality time with God. I needed to see the forest again. I needed to breathe fresh air.

I needed to experience what David, the shepherd king, said in Psalm 23: “He restores my soul.”

What about you? Wanna get away?

I encourage you to begin with a strategic step back.

Be amazing today, my friend.