The Overused Word
I’ve had a lot of time to think about what has happened over the last couple of months. Some things I expected—like moments of boredom, or realizing that physical rest is actually good for both the body and the mind. I’ve been working to be more intentional with my days, even while enjoying some time off.
But recently, I caught myself saying one of the most overused words in the English language.
It may not top any official “most used” lists, but it’s a word we hear constantly. Sometimes it’s worn like a badge of honor. Other times, it’s socially acceptable—because it feels easier to say this word than to speak the truth.
What’s the word?
Busy.
Yep. I said it. You hear it all the time.
“I would love to, but our schedule is crazy busy.”
“That gathering is on Saturday? I wish we could come, but our weekend is very busy.”
“Can you meet up after work? I’d love to, but I’m busy tonight.”
Don’t get me wrong—you really can have a packed schedule. But I’ve learned something, and you might feel a little uncomfortable when I say this (I did too).
You can fight it.
You can deny it.
You can give all the right reasons why it’s valid.
But most of the time, the issue isn’t that we’re busy.
The problem usually lies somewhere between laziness and a simple unwillingness to say “no.”
Because if we really want to do something—
If we really want to go to that gathering…
If we really want to meet up after work…
If we really want to spend time with that person from church…
We find a way.
We either make it work or we reschedule. “Busy” becomes the convenient substitute for honesty. Mark 12:30–31 says: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” God is all about relationships—our relationship with Him and our relationships with others. Yet somehow, we’ve convinced ourselves that we’re too busy for both.
Over the last couple of months, I’ve realized how much time I’ve wasted letting the thoughts, worries, and problems in my life take priority over what God has planted in my soul: to love Him and to make time for the people around me. I fall short, just like everyone else. So what does it actually look like to make these things a priority? For me, it starts with putting God first each morning. That alone makes for a better day. Even when things don’t go as planned, it’s still better knowing God has directed my steps.
Am I perfect at opening my Bible before I walk out the door? No.
But I do have time to pray.
I do have time to write down a few things I’m grateful for.
That simple pause—choosing calm over chaos—creates space to meet with God before the day starts running me.
Loving those around me can be a little more challenging, but I’ve learned something important: I may not always know how to help the person right next to me, but God will often put someone on my heart.
Making a phone call.
Scheduling a lunch.
Sending a quick prayer or message.
Those small acts matter.
Recently, I took time to connect with my neighbors by leaving small treat bags with a letter introducing myself. That simple step opened the door to real connection. We exchanged phone numbers, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better. Honestly, I have the best neighbors.
I also believe the enemy is quick to point out broken relationships and unresolved issues. He’s an accuser—and he uses those shortcomings to distract us from new opportunities God is placing right in front of us. There’s a difference between allowing God to repair a relationship and trying to fix everything on our own.
January may have been cold weather-wise, but it’s been a rich season for intentionality—for my relationship with God and for my relationships with the people around me. And it’s reminded me that maybe we aren’t too busy after all.
Lord, direct my steps and remind me of how simple it can be to connect with You and those around me. Thank you for being the King of Second Chances. Amen!
