My First Blog, As promised

Tim/Tammy,

Thanks for sharing your issues and hearts with us at our last Pilgrimage.

As promised, I wanted to share what God had taught me on the hot seat at Potters Wheel.A year ago at Sanctuary, God revealed to me that I made Complete Food Service my idol. If I had not made it the #1 priority in my life, it was a close #2 to God. I repented and God's grace and forgiveness flooded my heart. I felt free for the first time in many years.My idol worship was uncovered through the relationship with my brothers, who also work for the family business. I had contempt for them because they were blocking my attempts at positive results for the business. I was finding life in the success of the business. If the business did well, I looked good to my Dad and others. If the business did poorly, others may find out what my Mom found out years ago - that I am a phony (my negative belief). I had made the success of the business more important than my relationship with my brothers. God had challenged me to love my brothers and to trust Him with the results of the business.

In Potters Wheel, God took this issue to another level. I believe my contempt for my brothers is still in remission, but, our family business is currently facing the most severe financial challenge in our 24 year history. In our current status, what does it look like to love my brothers but still manage the company well. In the Parenting Class Jan and I are facilitating, we have learned that our children are always asking 2 critical questions - #1 - Do you love me? and #2 - Can I have my own way?At CFS, since I am the President of the company and have filled the patriarch role of our Dad, I believe my brothers are asking me the same 2 questions - Keith, do you love me and can I have my own way (i.e - can I do whatever I want to do at the family business and remain unaccountable). Just like with our kids, I want to consistently love my brothers but be clear that because I love them and I am accountable to God for the stewardship of the company, I cannot allow them to have their own way if it is not in the best interests of the company. On the hot seat, I had to bow my knee to my fear of conflict with my brothers. God is challenging me to confront them, to walk into conflict with them when necessary. I would appreciate your prayers as I lean into God for help and strength as He calls me to a deeper level of faith and obedience.