Subject: Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
Dear Steve and Shirley, I’m a 58 year old pastor and I’m single. My wife of 25 years cheated on me in my own house so it was a major embarrassment to me and my church. We tried to work it out but after a few months of another pastor counseling us, she let it be known that she was not interested in staying with me. It was a double whammy because she also left town right after she told me she didn’t want me. My life is at a standstill because she doesn’t want a divorce. Sometimes when I call her, she’ll talk to me like she still loves me. Other times, she ignores my calls and she will text me that she can’t talk right now. I think she is going thru something and just needs time away from me to get her life back on track. My pastor friend that counseled us has advised me to start the divorce process and move on with my life but I’m holding out hope that she returns to me. My 82 year old father’s favorite song is “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” and that is how I feel every day. My parents have been married for close to 60 years and I want that same type of love. If my wife needs a little time, that’s just fine. God can fix her heart and I do believe that she will come back to me. Some say I am foolish, but I say I am optimistic. Some say I shouldn’t take her back after she has done who-knows-what with other men, but I’m all for forgiveness and redemption. I have dealt with the shame and I still am able to face my congregation. I often hear them laughing and teasing me behind my back, but I’m telling you, there ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone. I need your honest advice on this one. Am I holding out hope for a woman that won’t ever come back to me