When I accepted my first job, I remember being disappointed that it wasn’t more glam.  I mean, a textile designer has all kinds of cool possibilities.  Designer. Stylist. Creative Director. Yet, I decided to take a position that was more technical than creative knowing that it would later give me an advantage in my career.  I was excited about my new job, and what I considered to be a whopper salary—just above minimum wage.

Still, it hurt to hear my fellow classmates talk about their cool jobs, while mine was considered more of a “mill” position.  Within a couple of years, the stigma of me as a “mill” designer began to get the best of me, and I opted for a transfer within my company to a more creative position in Manhattan.  I had a great office, surrounded by windows, with a great job, and a cool title.  I couldn’t wait.

As I packed my suitcase and said goodbye to NC, something an older friend told me threw me for a loop.

“I think I’d much rather be a big fish in a small pond, than a small fish in a big pond.”

Of course, that got on my last nerve.  What kind of person would want to stay in a small town all their life?  I mean, there was a world out there!  With incredible things to do and amazing people to meet.  I would never be like them.

Ahem.

It only took me four months to realize how right they were.  What seemed adventurous in the beginning soon became lonely.  Living in obscurity rather than having everyone know my every move in life, actually, grew old.  I soon longed for people to know me.  I wanted to see some familiar faces.  I wanted to be remembered.

Many years later, I’ve often thought about that phrase: “Big fish in a little pond.”  And while I’m not sure that I’ll ever be a big fish, I can see the advantage of swimming in a little pond.  A little pond becomes familiar over time.  A  little pond knows all its inhabitants. A little pond can be more easily attended to.

I wonder if that is why Jesus ministered in small settings?  Sure, he had some larger events.  But, given choices, He chose the smaller groups.  The closeness of a few people. The opportunities that intimate gatherings offer. The small pond.

Jesus said, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”  John 12:26

Whatever I become in my life, whatever type of ministry I serve in, I know that God will honor those attempts as long as I am serving in the will of Christ.  Sometimes that may be in the big city beneath the bright lights.  But, more likely, that will be in the smaller settings.  In the less glamorous opportunities. In the company of a precious few rather than the ego-building many.  Wherever it may be, I want to join Him there.

Go fish.