Ten Years.
A decade.
The official opening of CFG was on this day ten years ago.
I left a safe, lucrative, corporate career with a wife that was 7 months pregnant.
It’s never been sink or swim, only swim.
As this day has approached, I’ve reflected on a lot of things that I thought I’d share.
First, I’m grateful for the abundance of opportunities from God to be able to serve so many people for this long.
What seems like an eternity of memories also feels like the blink of an eye.
I’ve been blessed with a unique position to lead people to healthier lives, in the hopes that they can go on and live a life of abundance, wherever that may take them.
I’m grateful for the challenges, the struggles, and the difficulties. Not just the past two years, but the prior 8 as well.
There’s a saying that the only constant is change, and looking back at that first day 10 years ago to today makes that notion crystal clear.
We look, and operate, nothing like we did even a year ago.
I’m proud of that. I also embrace change in a weird way, just ask Mandy.
There’s an inside joke amongst business owners that if it weren’t for the people, this thing would be a piece of cake, HAHA!
But it is precisely because of people that I am able to serve and live out my God given purpose.
Speaking of people, I want to make sure I express my appreciation to everyone who has played a part in our mission up to this point:
To my past and present staff: thank you for pushing me to be a better leader, to communicate clearer, and for putting up with my cumbersome OCD for how things stay in order at the gym.
To our past and present members: thank you for trusting us with your health and wellness. It is because of you that we make the changes we make, always staying true to what is right and best for you, no matter how unpopular it may seem.
To my mentors: thank you for providing the guidance and challenge I need to stay focused and patient in pursuit of the vision I have.
To my Mom and Dad: thank you for instilling in me a firm foundation in faith and family. Your unwavering support and encouragement are never out of sight or mind.
To my Kids: thank you for always being honest with Daddy, every moment of every day. You teach me about the Fruit of the Spirit more than you’ll ever know.
To my Wife: thank you for standing beside me, not behind me. Thank you for being patient, but firm, in continuing to fight for what is best for the family. Thank you for telling me when I’m acting like a fool, and for pushing me to do the hard but right thing, no matter how difficult.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: thank you for providing THE model of servant leadership that I strive to emulate each day I wake up.
I pray that I didn’t miss anyone, but if so, just know that I’m thankful for you too.
I want to close by sharing a prayer that I’ve recited privately almost daily since a few months prior to us even opening:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
(Philippians 4:6-9 NIV)
Cheers to more changes and God Bless!
