Have you noticed how often people start messages or conversations with, “Sorry I haven’t replied… I’ve been so busy?” It’s become the standard preface to so many text messages, emails, meetings, and even face-to-face conversations. But let’s be honest…everyone’s busy. Life is full. Work is demanding. Family schedules are packed. Yet somehow, the people who are actually juggling the most rarely feel the need to announce it. So what should we do with that?
When we lead with “I’ve been busy,” what we’re really saying is, “I know I should’ve done this sooner,” or “I want you to know my time is valuable.” It’s an understandable instinct, but it also sets a strange tone. It creates distance instead of connection.
Maybe what we need isn’t to defend our busyness, but to reclaim presence. Imagine if, instead of apologizing or explaining, we answered with something that reflects how we’re doing:
“It’s been full, but good.”
“I’m tired, but grateful.”
“There’s a lot going on—but I’m okay.”
“Honestly, I’m just taking it one day at a time.”
Those kinds of answers invite connection instead of closing it off. Yet still tell the truth. .
Jesus lived a busy life of mission, yet He never rushed. He was probably interrupted constantly by crowds, strangers, and people who demanded attention, but He still paused, noticed, and engaged fully. That’s the opposite of “busy.” That’s intentional.
So the next time you’re tempted to open with “Sorry, I’ve been busy,” or “Phew! Life is so crazy right now,” try a different approach. Skip the preface. Be present. Say what you mean. Because connection doesn’t depend on how busy we’ve been. It’s about being present when it counts.
