Tag Archives: Akron

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Awakening? How can it be? I’m tired!

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Today has been a long day, but overall a good one. The clergy of our district (that made up my first meeting here in Akron) are some of the finest people I know, and it is always uplifting to be around them. We are not just colleagues, but good friends. I truly feel blessed to spend time with them.

The second part (the part that now lasts until Thursday) is what is called the Anglican Awakening. It is a gathering of Anglicans from across many jurisdictions to talk about a variety of issues facing the Church as well as to worship with each other and pray for each other. It is an important gathering, particularly with the current ongoing Reformation taking place in the Anglican Communion. These are people on the front lines of this work, and it is exciting to be here.

It is, however, exhausting. I am just not used to sitting and listening that long, even when it is interesting! I am SO THANKFUL I was there after a good night’s sleep, but even with that it was trying. Pray that I will have more energy tomorrow….particularly in that it is a longer day! I would rather come back with a report of what went on, rather than having to report how many naps I had to take!

Anyway, I miss my family and of course the good people of Indiana, God’s FAVORITE STATE! I love Ohio, but I love home more…….and I am looking forward to being home very soon!

Goodnight my friends from the Home of the Akron Zips (really) and God Bless.

Fr. Tom+

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On being a compliant and easy-going guy………not!

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I have a meeting tomorrow that begins at 10 am, and the interesting part is that it is in Akron, Ohio! My original plan was to leave with Father Sean at 3 in the morning and drive carefully through the night. Father Sean however is from Ohio, so he came up Sunday afternoon. And as Amanda and I thought about it, she was pretty uncomfortable with the idea of me driving all that way at that hour…..particularly alone. I did think I would be fine, which only led me deeper into the abyss. I apparently do not have the self-awareness I used to have, and though I protested, it just led to more conflict. I finally put my foot down and said I would be fine.

So anyway, it is just after 11 on Monday night and I am at the hotel in Akron writing this blog! I know which battles to fight and which ones not to. I will say, and I already told her, that after I unpacked, and checked into the room, I went back out to my car only to find the door wide open. Nothing was in it because I had taken it all out, but so much for having a handle on myself and what I am doing. Don’t get me wrong, I feel much better, but I still have quite a few blindspots. How do you walk away from a car you are looking at and leave a door wide open??? What a goof!

Oddly enough it brought back my conversation with Amanda from earlier this afternoon. It’s when I do too much that I get a bit confused and have trouble. Stress does it too. She wanted me to go so I would be worth something to myself and to others at these meetings. And she was and is right (but please do not tell her). Had I left at 3, I would have been a zombie and had a lot of trouble catching up, if I even could.

In fact, I am pretty sure my wife just loves me and is showing me concern. I can be a little stubborn (ha ha – can’t wait till she reads that!) but I usually end up listening sooner or later. In truth, I will enjoy getting a good night’s sleep and feeling sharp in the morning. It’s how the pre-stroke me would be regardless of the departure time, but the only way the post-stroke me will do well tomorrow.

Anyway, I hope and pray your day went well and that you have a peaceful night’s sleep! I know I will!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless.

Tom+

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Of Akron, of Councils and lack of brain cells…….

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This trip has been a surprisingly difficult one for me. The stress of too much going on, the lack or rest, and the need to have my brain sharp without the capability to do so has made this exhausting! Fortunately this is our last night here. Though it is great to be around such wonderful and committed people, many of who have been longtime friends, the need to sleep in my own bed and get back to my own life is clearly my heart’s desire.

All and all however the Council Meeting has been a success. Though I have been pushed a lot further than I felt comfortable with, I am surviving. The hard part is missing the kids, which we both do. I worry about them with grandma….after all, who needs all that smiling and being told how wonderful you are?? They are all having a great time, and whenever we do get back, though they will not admit it, I am sure they will feel deep down it was a little too soon!

It really doesn’t matter because we are coming home anyhow! I have to work Sunday, and really we all do! We are leaving Deacon Dan and his wife Merry Ann, along with Father Sean in Akron for Sunday services there so they can talk to people about our work in Indiana.

Anyway, it has been a long day and I am calling it quits! Sorry for the lack of substance or depth here tonight, but my mind is absent at this point.

Nite and God bless!

Fr. Tom+