Minor Depression

I have told people that youth ministry is the greatest job in the world with bouts of depression.  And, this has been my experience thus far.  I get to work with some of the most exciting and excitable people in the world.  I get to work by planning activities and trips to fun places with fun people.  I get to watch 65 students learn more and more about Jesus.  I get to watch literal and figurative growth.  I get to laugh.  I am surrounded by a generation of students who are not satisfied with hearing about God; they want to experience Him.  (Since this is me too, I grow in the meantime.)  I am partnered with my favorite person in the world (Melissa) in this work.  I have minions.  I have fun.

But, ministry is not always a bed of roses.  There are nights that reap no sleep.  There are moments that continually haunt.  There are statements that still sting.  There are confrontations that remain awkward.  There are people that frustrate.  There are stumbling blocks that act more like linebackers than rocks.  There are times when I rely too much on myself rather than on God.  There are times when I forget that there is only one Messiah (and I am not him.)  There are days that get away.  There are weeks where I pray for people my own age.  Almost all the time, I miss my friends.  I long to be fed and not feed.  I long to get and not give.  I desire validation.  There are times when Satan seems present precisely because God is working.  

Overall, ministry is awesome.  I have a community of friends and fellow ministers who are more than a support.  I have students who seem to grow more and more every day.  I love it.  And, yes, it gives me bouts of depression.  There is nothing I would rather do.