True happiness cannot be obtained by having a large ministry.  It comes through having a large heart.  Far too easily we equate true happiness with staggering numbers and being flown around the nation, but too quickly we buy into what is honestly a fallacy of ministry.  If those things really did bring personal fulfillment, I’d have a million reasons to be happy, for by the grace of God, I turn down more speaking engagements than I am fortunate to accept and the Lord has allowed several large youth ministries to emerge from humble beginnings.  But hear my heart from this amazing journey of no regrets, not once did any of those things bring me real happiness.

My peace, joy and completeness come solely from my relationship with Jesus Christ and sharing a large heart with Him.  Secondly, I find it in my amazing husband and two wonderful sons, and lastly from having a large heart with my kids in the youth ministry.  My teenagers, as I am sure yours do, keep me fresh spiritually, give me purpose and at times a reason to get out of bed in the morning.  In this latter season of my life, it is the men and women from the trenches of youth ministry who are propelling me to press on in the journey.  The masses never motivated me.  It remains the trademark of my ministry to love, give and stay encouraged by one face at a time.  I cannot imagine Jesus any other way.  In the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, we find His heart lavishly poured out over just the one.

As you rest in His love and trust, allow yourself to find happiness knowing that He’s much more impressed with the size of your heart than the size of your ministry.