tzb, Assistant Pastor for the Seminary, Resignation, 2014

It is with gratitude and humility that I resign from the office of Assistant Pastor for the Seminary.

I have recently gone through what I can only describe as a breakdown. I lost touch with myself. I nearly gave up on everything. I couldn't find a way out of the corner I (and I alone) had worked myself into. A recent "wake up" experience has thankfully put me right back on track, but I realise I need to make a few changes in order to achieve longer-term peace of mind. Giving some things up. Hopefully getting some things back. Finding a balance, rather than engaging in all-or-nothing thinking. Getting better at being "me". And most of all, reducing factors in my life which have led me down this path of difficulty, unhappiness and imbalance.

I have to start by being more honest with myself.

At this time in my life, the Temple is not where I need to be. I have work to do on many areas of who I am, and I'm starting to realise that focusing on spiritual growth in the way I have for the last year is no longer the truest reflection of the work which needs to be done in my world. I'm a father, a husband, a friend. I have let all of that slip. I won't be an absentee officer but can't commit to spending time here in the coming months. I hold myself to my own standards and must accept that at this time, whilst I am proud and committed to being a Jedi Knight and fully supportive of the work, meaning and message of TOTJO, I now feel that my path leads elsewhere.

This isn't goodbye. As I say, all-or-nothing thinking is one of the things I need to stop. I will remain available to my Apprentices, and will continue to set lessons as they are completed. But I will also entirely understand if my Apprentices would prefer to dissolve our Apprenticeship and seek teaching masters who are more present at the Temple. Nicole, Lightstrider, I will contact you separately about this.

Those of you who I speak to regularly have ways of contacting me outside of the Temple, whether you choose to use them or not. I really hope you will

I wish the Synod, and you all, the very best.
May the Force be with you, always.

I'm starting to realise that focusing on spiritual growth in the way I have for the last year is no longer the truest reflection of the work which needs to be done in my world. I'm a father, a husband, a friend. I have let all of that slip.

I would bid that the actual spiritual growth is the work that needs to be done in your world. We will be here as your supplement for when you may lose focus or need a shoulder.

You are one of the most insightful members of this temple that I think this place has ever had probably since its founding... at least since I joined... No matter how much you might doubt yourself, there is very clear evidence of your ability to take care of your world, on a level of quality that far surpasses most people I have met here in my own world over here. If you ever feel any doubt, just think back, even for a just a single moment, on everything you accomplish here and what you have helped teach this whole temple by your simple attention.

It goes without saying, you will always have my support.

The Force is with you, Stu.

You have been a very good friend to me Stu, good luck on re-finding the balance in your life.

I can totally relate, as I'm sure several others here can as well. You'll be back, and we're not going anywhere. Go take care of what's important...

U will be missed

I enjoyed working with you tzb, I hope everything turn out the way you want them to be

May the Force be with you.

Thank you for your services....

You will be missed...

Good luck....

EDIT: after I clicked "send", I realized it read more like a "goodbye" as opposed to what it is, a resignation of office, lol...

We will see you around...

May the Force be with you on this new leg of your journey.

As has been said, this is not goodbye, though the frequentness of your pressence will be missed. We'll be seeing you.

Take your time and come back when your ready.
You are a great person Stu and we will be here when you need us

I have always enjoyed your discussions, please take care of yourself. Walk in Beauty my friend.

Always good when someone puts their priorities in order. I'm happy for you. Go do what needs doing. Everyone is here for you if you need. Take care.

I don't know you personally but I fully respect your decision to get your priorities in life straight. It's something that's necessary once in a while - May the Force be with you!

The call to the hero on the road of trials is heard and he answers with his choices.

Thank you for everything, tzb. I hope you get where you want to be.

The Force will be with you, always.

Remember to follow your bliss!

Farewell until we meet again on the digital byways!

I hope you find your good bearings soon, and set your healthy roots deep in, so that you might more fluently attend to all you'd love to attend to, unencumberedly (yes, it's a word now - I've just used it lol) - I'm very glad that you aren't all-or-nothing'ing this, and will still be around - I'd really hoped to get to know you more, and exchange some ideas. I've caught some glimpses of your spirit, and I hope to see more

I'm a hubby and a Daddy as well, and can totally relate... and if it's not inappropriate to offer, I'm a good ear if you need one - better than a stranger on a bus, I'm a dude clear across the planet on the other side of the world! Don't be a stranger

Be well, enjoy peace, thrive in the embrace of your family, your tribe - and may the Force be with you and yours, always

I hope I have adequately expressed my gratitude in the past for all you have done for the Temple and for being an inspiration to me personally. I have thoroughly enjoyed our conversations, and I will continue to look forward to them even if they have to be more infrequent for a time. I am confident that you can handle any challenges you are facing and I applaud you for facing them with courage. Passion, yet serenity. You will find balance.

May the Force be with you, brother!

Thank you for your service.

Thanks for your kindness, everyone.