The Train (Continued)

“Pastor can I bother you about something?” I reflected on a conversation that I had with Pastor Smith. He’s been Craig and I’s Pastor for the past ten years of our marriage.

“It’s never a bother Myia. How may I help you?”

“I was wondering if you would be available for counsel?”

“Of course, I would Myia, but can I ask you a question first?”

“Please?”

“How is Brother Craig doing these days?” At the question, the tears started falling uncontrollably.

“Oh, Pastor, I don’t know what to do.” Pastor Smith immediately motioned for his wife to come over, who put both hands on my shoulders and led me into Pastor’s office. She slowly sat me down on the chair and gave me some Kleenex.

“Myia, I pray you don’t mind that I’m here,” Mrs. Smith responded. I simply shook my head no.

“Is there something going on with Craig?” Pastor Smith asked.

“I just don’t know what to do. It seems that my husband has literally checked out on our marriage.” I continued through tears.

“What do you mean Myia?” Mrs. Smith asked.

“In just a matter of weeks my husband changed. As you’ve probably noticed he has stopped coming to church. Craig goes to work, comes home, and goes straight to bed and sleeps all the way to the next morning. On the weekends he stays in bed for most of the day. He barley eats. He has lost weight. I don’t know what to do Pastor.”

“Hmmm….Myia, what do you think is happening?”

“If I knew Pastor I would not be in your office.”

“Do you think he would be willing to talk to me?”

“He doesn’t talk to me Pastor. What I really wanted was to ask if you and Mrs. Smith would the two of you come over for dinner. I must think of a creative way. Do you understand?”

“We do understand Myia. I would be willing to come and offer what ever help you need. However, from my experience, if he isn’t receptive to you, who is the closest to him, then he may not be receptive to me.”

I remember pausing and staring for a brief second; however, I was desperate, and I was willing to take my chances.

“I hear you Pastor, but I need to at least try. Is Saturday evening at 5PM okay?”

“We don’t have anything else going on do we Babe?” Pastor Smith asked Mrs. Smith.

“No, we don’t” She confirmed.

I remember leaving the office praying to myself that God would intervene at the dinner. However, what Pastor said was true. That dinner was a horrible mistake.

I sat and reminisced about the night as I waited on the side of the road for another train to pass.

(What is going on with this girl's husband? Keep checking every week for more)

Toya

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