Some of Logan’s favorite memories from his high school youth group were the times when a group of students just hung out together. There was no schedule, no agenda, and nothing planned. There were just students and maybe an adult or two playing basketball or watching a movie or just talking. It wasn’t that nothing important happened in those times. Great, deep, and meaningful conversations often flowed out of those free-time gatherings. But with so much stress in the life of a high schooler—sports, grades, college and career choices—those times were a haven from all of the busyness, and Logan could just be himself.

Life is like that for a lot of us. The busyness of each day can overshadow the times when we can just be ourselves, hang out with our friends, and not worry. In busy times we often miss opportunities for meaningful conversations. We don’t notice the friend who is hurting or the people who are outside the circle because we just haven’t had time to see them.

Jesus spent time alone with his disciples, away from the busyness of ministry. And he taught them to live in the moment, looking for the kingdom of God right where they were and not missing it by looking for something in the future.

In the midst of a busy life with deadlines and stress, don’t miss the simple moments of quiet and unplanned living where the kingdom of God is present and waiting for us to see it.