Stop. Breathe. Be Present with Jesus.

About 18 years ago, I was sitting in a green room with Bill Johnson at the Rock Church in Castle Rock, Colorado. My life felt like a whirlwind—I was trying to juggle God, family, ministry, mission, and wisdom, all at once. In the midst of it, I turned to Bill and asked, How do you do it? How do you put God first, then family, then church, all while traveling so much?

Bill looked at me and said, Leif, I don’t see it that way. Everything I do is unto the Lord. He went on to explain that whether he was sitting in the presence of Jesus or simply going to a movie with his son, both were deeply spiritual acts. His perspective was clear—every moment, every action was done as worship to God.

That day, something shifted in me. I reorganized my life and decided to be fully present, wherever I was, in the presence of God.

Stopping for the one, being fully present wherever I am—that’s what I’m learning. Just recently, I was on a Zoom call, and I reminded myself to be fully there, seeing each person as the most important one in that moment.

I’ve come to realize that hurry is one of the greatest enemies of love. When we’re always rushing to the next thing, caught up in dreams and visions of what’s ahead, we risk missing the miracle moments—the simple awareness of His nearness and the power of bringing His presence by being present.

We live in a culture filled with distractions—phones ringing, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube. Before we know it, we’re pulled in so many directions, losing sight of what truly matters: being present.

For the past seven months, I’ve been on a journey of going lower and slower, cultivating a deeper awareness of Jesus with me. Whether in the grocery store, in the car, or at the airport, I’m learning to carry His presence into every moment, wherever I’m meant to be.

Even now, it’s easy to see how we try to fill the void in our hearts—whether by shopping on Amazon, chasing after the next thing, or seeking fulfillment in places that can never truly satisfy. But the truth is, only Jesus can fill that space. The best version of who you are will only be found in Him.

So, my encouragement—and even my challenge—especially during this Lenten season, is to become more aware of His presence. And in doing so, learn to be fully present where you are meant to be. Whether you’re in church, having breakfast with your family, or sharing a meal with a friend, be there. Shut off the phone. Say no to distractions. Because the very place you are in right now is a miracle moment. Be fully engaged—listen, connect, make eye contact. As you put these practices into action, you’ll begin to see His glory released in ways you never expected, because the best of who you are is found in Jesus. And in those moments, others will see Him in you.

As I walk through this season leading up to Easter, I’m choosing to be with Jesus in the garden—feeling what He feels, seeing what love looks like. I’m staying present at the cross, not turning away from the difficult moments. Even in the darkness of Saturday, when it seems like all hope is gone, I’m learning to walk slowly and embrace the silence, knowing that even there, He is at work. There are nutrients in the waiting. But we also live with the hope of Sunday—the resurrection moment that is coming.

So in this season, take time to practice the nearness of His presence by being fully present where you are. And I encourage you to learn to say no because you have a greater yes. Recognize the distractions, the escapism, and the consumption that pulls you away from what truly matters. Don’t miss the miracle moment He has for you right now.

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