EITHER SUV OR BURST … (SHORT STORY)

Carolyn was certain her husband was avoiding her. It was 7:20 p.m. and he was not yet back from work. The firm he worked with closed for the day at 6 p.m. and the drive home took less than 45 minutes even after accounting for traffic. He could only stay away for so long, she calculated. In the next hour or so, he would definitely be back.

As she put their baby to bed, she rehearsed her arguments. She wasn’t giving up her quest so easily. What’s a little aggravation and irritation if it will move John to do what he should have done without her prompting, she asked herself. She thanked God for making her see his account balance on the phone quite by accident. She had then mentioned it to her friend, Prisca, and her reaction had been “instructive”.

“Two million plus! Who keeps that kind of money in ther account these days? If kidnappers don’t come for it, the dwindling value of the Naira will turn it to toilet paper before you know it!”

So she had come up with a “perfect” idea. They should use the money to purchase an SUV! Driving around in her husband’s God-knows-what-date Toyota Corolla had passed being an embarrassment, it was now an unbearable torture which she had vowed to put an end to.

John, on his part, loved his Corolla and maintained it well. He didn’t see the need for a new car, let alone an SUV. But every family in the church had an SUV, well almost every family, and they had sown seeds for new levels. What better way to announce the new level than to “launch” an SUV! She had it all figured out and had broached the subject but, for some reason, John had refused to hear her out.

He warned her not to fantasize about that money and came close to accusing her of worldliness. But she was going to make him see reason even if they had a falling out in the process. For her, it was either the SUV or burst the peace in their home! She had made the mistake of lowering her standards by marrying a “struggling” young man, but obviously he wasn’t as hard up as she thought if he had that much money stowed away.

She wished she had a job and wasn’t dependent on John for everything. Perhaps, he would have paid better attention to this and other suggestions she made. But it was no excuse for him to disregard her. She had compromised on too many things as it was – managing in cramped quarters (a two-bedroom flat) on the outskirts, rather than in the heart of town or a pricey suburb; living without pipe-borne water and constant power supply. The only thing that was constant where they lived was merciless mosquito infestation.

It was a far cry from the circumstances in which she was brought up. Her family was “loaded” as they say in the popular venacular. None of her family members had been to her house and they looked at her with condescension. She needed that SUV badly as a proof to them that she and her husband were not nearly the wretched of the earth they presumed they were. It would show them that they were doing fairly well, considering ….

The phone had been ringing but stopped before she “excavated” it from her purse in her knickknack pouch in her bag. She went back to her mulling. Considering the state of the country’s economy, buying an SUV would make a bold statement. Plus, the pastor never seemed to include them in any committee or greet them quite as warmly as those couples that came to church in big cars. That had to be fixed, and fast!

image

The ringing of the phone interrupted her thoughts once again. It was John. Wonder what hackneyed tale of an excuse he wants to give for being late again, she thought.

“Sweetheart, are you okay?”

“Of course, I’m okay. Why aren’t you home?”

“That’s actually why I’m calling. A sister in the church lost her husband this afternoon.”

“Oh my God! Who, who ..?”

“Calm down, darling! I doubt that you’ve met her. The family’s only been coming for a few weeks. Thing is, some of us are over there right now. Brother Patrick will join us soon. So I might still be a while coming home.”

“No problem, take your time. But isn’t there anything I can do? My heart goes out to that woman even though I don’t know her. Can’t I join Brother Patrick and come to extend my condolences at least?”

“Sweetheart, the baby. Plus, … I didn’t mean to tell you this but the man was in an accident. I can’t give you the details, I can only say it was far from a pretty sight, so the family called the pastor to bury him right away. He in turn called a few of us to assist. Tomorrow and the days that follow, church members will spend time with the family, then you can come.”

“I see. Be careful driving back, okay?”

“Yes, I will. Love you!”

“Love you too!”

The moment she dropped the phone, Carolyn was on her knees. Every plotting for an SUV was swept aside as she put herself in the shoes of that woman whose husband met a gruesome death without warning. She shuddered as tears escaped her eyes and her calling took over. She was an intercessor and she spent the next 90 minutes praying the Lord’s peace, strength and comfort upon that woman and the rest of her family.

The trip the next day to condole with the bereaved family pushed all thought of purchasing an SUV further from Carolyn’s mind. She had thought she was needy but this family lived in a hovel in a slum that made Carolyn’s neighbourhood seem like Victoria Garden City where her parents lived. For a start, there was no road to the place. They parked their cars in the care of security men at the nearest company and then walked about two hundred metres before meandering the greater part of their way through irregular paths between shacks.

Some of the shacks were put together with tarpaulin, some with cartoons, planks, a little of old zinc, sacks, raffia and the occasional mud wall. Even the “roofs”were made with the same odds and ends. The smell was rank, what with excrement, refuse and dirty water everywhere. It was inconceivable that human beings, families, lived in such unsightly, unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Smoke emitted from here and there: these people were not afraid to light fires in such crowded conditions with highly flammable materials all around.

Carolyn regretted joining the group for the visit. John had urged her to wait till the family resumed church but she had angrily responded that it would be wicked of her to miss such a chance and reopen the wound when the people have started healing. He gripped her hand firmly as they picked their way to see the family. She had to stop at some point to barf in a paper bag.

“Morning sickness. Pregnancy,” John lied to onlookers, who nodded their understanding.

What Carolyn saw in that one-kilometre walk coupled with the woe-begone expression on the face of the recently widowed woman made her weep so much during the visit. Talk about crying more than the bereaved. Literally. Her only contact with the woman was to empty her purse into her palms (a little less than five thousand Naira was there) and to offer a few tear- choked words.

The whole experience so traumatized her that she stayed in bed the day after. Thankfully, it was a weekend and John could take care of the baby with the help of their neighbour who minded her the previous day. That night when John joined her in bed, Carolyn had something to tell him.

“You know, it is good to have money and all the comforts of life but it is not good to shelter your children so much that all they know is affluence. I thought my marriage to you had acquainted me with lack and deprivation. I had no clue …,” she began to sniffle.

John wanted to take her in his arms but she motioned for him to wait.

“Not just yet,” she mumbled. “I didn’t know that … I mean, it’s horrible, it’s nauseating what those people are steeped in. How can they survive it, John? How do they live, day in day out? And here I was, breaking my pretty head over an SUV. God, after what I’ve seen, I feel like I’m the Queen of England and I haven’t a care in the world!”

“Her Majesty, the Queen! The title does become you,” John teased.

Carolyn’s face broke into a smile.

“I’m sorry I was giving you a hard time, John. You can do whatever you like with your money.”

“What money will that be, my sweet?”

“The two million in your account.”

“Well, it’s true what the Bible says, ‘Take a look at money and it will vanish.'”

“No! You didn’t lose it!”

John laughed and replied, “No, I was just pulling your leg. But the money wasn’t mine to begin with. It was wired by Arthur for the roofing of his house in the village.”

“You’re kidding me!”

“Of course not. Here,” he said, extending his phone, “check the last text message from my bank. I’ve sent the money to the contractor.”

“Wait, the money belonged to your brother!” John nodded. “You knew, did you, that you had no money and you allowed me to lose sleep planning on how to get a new car!”

“I did warn you not to …” He hadn’t the chance to finish because a pillow landed on his head, the first of several times before he grabbed one and Carolyn, laughing, jumped off the bed and ran to the living room, with John in pursuit.
– The end-
Ⓒ Edith Ugochi Ohaja 2016

You may also like these posts:
SAVING DIANA (SHORT STORY)
OF GRAINY PICTURES AND IMPERFECT LIVES (A REFLECTION)
BRING IT ON! JEHOVAH CAN TAKE IT!
A BRAND SNATCHED FROM THE FIRE

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160 comments

  • chika divine umunnakwe

    Wow! This is a wonderful short story that married people and singles who will be married someday should read and learn from it.Thank God that Carolyn eyes were open before she could have destroyed her home. when we say we don’t have anything worth owning , look around and see people who are ready to accept want you have with joy …

    • Edith Ohaja

      You’re right, Chika! Some people are fasting and doing prayer vigils to get a fraction of what we have and take for granted.

  • Life is step by step. One should always be content with what one has.thank God Carolyne later realized that life is not a bed of roses. Nice work ma carry go!!!.

  • ogwu ugo

    Be contented with what you have. Lovely story

    • Edith Ohaja

      Sometimes, the pressure to show others that God is blessing us too or that we are doing just as well as them can be so great. But we need to get with God’s programme for our lives and let others run their own race for our God makes all things beautiful in Hus time for each and everyone of us. You’re blessed, Ugo!

  • Evans brainz Ezeme

    hahaha! nice story. we should learn how to be contented with the little we have, sometimes what we want is truly not what we need. kudos

  • Okoroafor Ijeoma Mary

    chai! being satisfied is a rare and important virtue,nice one fire dey go ma.

  • Ajibo lovelyn onyedikachi

    this is indeed an inspirational and motivating story.one need to be contended,value and be satisfied with what he or she has.

  • itodo mary

    wao,amazing story.in life one should be contended with the very little God has given him.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Sometimes, those who strive the most for more aren’t even those who have little but those who are already swamped with stuff, literally!

  • Ajibo lovelyn onyedikachi

    what an amazing story.one need to value,be contended and cherish whatever she or he has, no matter how little it is.

  • Ekeh Chioma Jennifer

    be contented with what you have

  • Nwanna Eugenia chioma

    Nice one ma
    I learnt to be contended with the little I have
    Half bread is really better than non
    Thanks for this piece

  • JoeOdo

    This piece is so interesting as well as educative.

  • christian Nnamdi

    Aunty,the lessons from this story are enormous. Most times life doesn’t give us what we want. Again, in spite of Carolyn being blunt with John, the couple has a way of settling their differences. It’s a big lesson for married and would-be couples. It’s always nice for couples to handle issues in their closet. It prevents discomfort in the family.

  • Ekene Ejiofor

    Life is not all about wealth and richess…..
    great story ma.

  • GODWIN MAXWELL

    Sometimes we feel lost in the crowd and try to show off to sttract attention. it is good to be contented with what you have while praying for your desire.

    • Edith Ohaja

      The painful part is that the people one wants to impress msy still keep looking down on him or her after they’ve gone to all the trouble to …

  • Onyekachi

    Women and material things; she almost destroyed the happiness in her marriage because she saw a few millions in her husband’s account… Thanks for that Condolence visit.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Yes, thank God indeed for that condolence visit. But my dear Onyekachi, it’s not only women that can be materialistic. Even though I used a woman in the tory, the lesson is for everyone. You are blessed!

  • Be satisfied with what. U have , don’t compare urself with other, you are u and they are they. Destinies differ.

  • nnanna ozioko

    nice post

  • Alegu Solomon Chidi

    Thank you my dear lecturer for this wonderful piece of work. i love this story

  • Florence onyekaozuru

    Very motivating and enlightening story, we should be contended with what we have, bearing in mind that some people do not have quarter of what you have

  • Dorcas Philip Nkwonya

    we should be thankful n contented with what we have

  • Ifechukwude Egbune

    this is a story filled with lots of lessons. frist, not to take your family issues to outsiders, to value what we have always and to be content with what we call little that we have because there are people out there praying hard to have just half or less of tha. in fact the graphics in the story tells it all. thank you, ma, for this wonderful one.

  • covenant

    Ma please, how do you come up with such a wonderful and inspiring story. More grace to you…

  • Benjamin Thelma

    The position which you are in today and feels is nothing. Someone somewhere is awake day and night just to be in that position even if it is half way. So be contented with what you have and always be thankful to God for as little you may have while you work harder for a better one.

  • Nnamani Adanna Mary

    This is a very educative piece. Its gud to be satisfied with what we have.

  • Chiwetalu Ugwu

    This is a story everyone should read… We should give glory to God because sometimes, our problems are less compared to others whose problems are much more or worse.

  • Enwerem Chiamaka

    Thank you Lord for all the things I failed to say thank you for. This piece taught me to be grateful

  • Onah Chiamaka Geraldine

    Most times we just want to follow the crowd so as to be termed “those that belong”. We should be contented with what we have and always hope for the best. Thank God Carolyn realized her mistakes on time before it became too late for her or even caused problems for her family. Also bad friends like Prisca can influence people negatively. Therefore, people should learn to keep away from bad friends.

  • WOW. THIS STORY IS JUST THE BEST. WE ALWAYS COMPLAIN OF OUR PROBLEMS WITHOUT KNOWING THAT WE ARE BETTER OFF COMPARED TO OTHERS.

  • Nwangwu Chisom

    Omg…this is an amazing story. I must confess you are a master at this. This story is addresses a promient issue in the life of young couples. Aunty, I am glad Carolyn came to her senses and realized all the trouble to meet up with society is useless.

  • Ikenna precious

    What a wonderful story. But nawa for some women, she didn’t even think about investing the Money, all she thought about was boosting her social status. may God help us.

  • Oleru Precious

    Most times in life we need to appreciate what we have. When we haven’t left our comfort zones to see what other people go through every day, we won’t understand and value the little things we have.

  • Amadi victoria chinwendu

    This is a critical lesson. Whatever you are, whatever you have, wherever you are just give God the praise because some people are in worst situations than yours.

  • chinenye nwokoye

    Being content matters in whatever one does… Just be thankful to God for wherever you are.
    Thank you ma for this wonderful piece.

  • ugochukwu ogwu

    Awwwn…what a lovely ending. Indeed in every position we are in life we should give glory to God rather than demanding for more because even if that more come nothing guarantees you will appreciate it or even live to enjoy it

  • Anowi chisom vivian

    Wow, this is a motivational story. There is nothing more satisfying than being contented with what u have and can afford. In all our situations we should always praise and thank God.

  • Egwuonwu Priscilla

    Wow, I can’t believe that Carolyn almost ruined the peace in her home over money that didn’t belong to them. Contentment is a virtue that we must value. Thank God Carolyn realised this on time

  • Ofodile chinenye

    Very interesting story ma. Am glad Carolyn finally discovered that there was more to life than owning a few properties and possession, for there are many who have no where to lay their head and call home. Nice one!

  • There is no better teacher than life. Carolyn thought life was tough or hard for her until she peeped into another’s world. We must learn to appreciate and thank God for every situation and work and pray for the better. But again, I see humility in everything she did after that encounter with the bereaved woman. Life is not always what it looks like. as they say, all that glitters are not gold!

  • Chekuzo veronica

    Carolyn did what any other woman in her shoes would have done but thank God her eye opened right before it consumed her and their home .

  • Victoria Nonike

    That such an unfortunate incident had to happen before Carolyn received wisdom is sad, I feel her priorities were a bit misplaced even tho the money did not belong to her husband. Thank God she made peace with her husband tho.

  • Asogwa Emmanuel C

    Wow, that’s what I call an uplifting story. I thank God that Carolyn’s assumption didn’t cost her much. it just shows that we should be grateful to God for what we have and not toe the path of covetousness. We might think that our problem is the most challenging, but someone out there is in worst shoes than we are… More grease to your elbow Ma!

  • Keswet mercy

    We should learn to be satisfied with whatever we have, we may not have all we need

  • Lawrence Ernest Enyi

    Godliness with contentment is great gain. Being content with one’s possessions matters alot. Lessons learnt. Great story ma.

  • Anyadubalu Oluchi Maryrose

    carolyn did what almost every other woman would have done. If i were in her shoes, i would have done the same thing.
    On the other hand, we should always be contented with what we have, it pays

  • Thank God that Carolyn came to her senses before her home was destroyed in the quest for living a luxurious life. Be thankful for the little you have, which is of course much to someone, somewhere. Pray and work hard for more. ✌??

  • Ogbalu Treasure Onyinye

    This story has a clear message to pass about being contented and satisfied with where you are in life and what you have. Sometimes we take for granted the things we have and complain about things we don’t have. I hope both married and single learn from Carolyn’s experience. Always be grateful!

  • Anigbo Chisom anastesia

    Women and needs.
    Anyway I won’t pretend cos is in us but we have to inculcate in us the spirit of contentedness as a Christian woman, cause I Tell you,it pays

  • Sandra Oweka

    Haha. Carolyn and her SUV pursuit. I’m glad her eyes finally opened.
    We should learn to be content with whatever we have rather than yearn for me.

  • Ekpali Joseph Saint

    Thank God Carolyn realized this in time. Most times, we act like her. but we should always be satisfied all times.

  • Ozoguejiofor Uche Jacinta

    (Laughing out loud). This is a lesson to us that material gain is no need to loose sleep over. There are people who lack so much yet are so happy. True happiness comes from within and being content. A good lesson to learn Jere.

  • Nwafor Uchechukwu Judith

    We just have to be patient in everything we do, see the greatness in the little thing you have so that we don’t end up breaking the peace in anywhere we are. Nice that Carolyn’s eyes later opened for better

  • ezeagbo ifebuche juliet

    this story is really educating. is good to be contempted with what you have. don’t say because this person is driving this car that you too must drive that car. all fingers are not equal and they can never be equal. but i thank god Carolyn got to her senses at a time.

  • Delight Obiakor

    A wonderful piece ma and a food for thought.

  • onyeama obianuju Queendaline

    what a lovely ending. being satisfied is the key, if not one will end up getting to heights and not being satisfied.

  • Onah Ifeyinwa flora

    Life is not a bed of roses, people should take life to be pages of a book which on each chapter it presents before us, it’s really a good story that every couple should read and emulate.

  • Onyeka pamela chiamaka

    This story proves the adage dat says”you dont know wat u have until you lose it “but I thank God she realized how faithful and blessed she is by God

  • DIM CHIKODIRI VIVIAN

    When you think you don’t have enough, that you are suffering and that things are never enough, look around, check those around you and you see that you will thank your stars for the little you have. No matter the situation, thank GOD because you are better than some people and it is good for one to be contented with what they have. Getting married is one thing and knowing how to settle problems is another thing, couple should learn how to sort things out without some else knowing.

  • Eze emmanuel friday

    Couples should learn how to settle their differences no need for neighbours to hear it and let what you have be enough for you, the one you don’t have yet will come at the right time. BE contended

  • Ekwuru Jill

    Wow! This is a very interesting short story. Every single and married person should read this.. thank God that carolyn’s eyes were opened to see beyond her thoughts and not destroy her home. When we say we are worth nothing yet, look around and see people you are better than.

  • Nneji Mary Chinenye

    We should always thank God for our present conditions because there are people passing through worse and we should not be carried away by worldly possessions

  • Atu Mercy John

    We should learn to thank God always,because when you think things are bad for you, you will see people who are worse than you…An advice for us ladies…we should learn not to jump into conclusion as it can cause trouble in our marriages.

  • MOKOGWU JOSEPHINE

    Sometimes in life, we need to appreciate the little we have rather than comparing yourselves with others, and the worst thing a man can do is to impress others, many new things will come and fade away.

  • Ani uchenna adanna

    Greed always has a destructive end… Be contented with what you have.

  • Egbo Benjamin Chigbogu

    Many times, we don’t know what we have up until we loose them.
    Please, let’s count our blessings.

  • Njoku chiamaka Constance

    We never know what we have until we see those we are better than.
    And is always good to clarify facts before conclusion, communication is very important in every relationship.

  • Ugwoke ifechukwu melvina.

    The story is touching in many ways, it teaches us many things. Carolyn is a vain woman which is mainly as a result of her upbringing. It so much affects her life that she managed to somehow associate it with being a good Christian.
    People should think and access the situation before they act, look past the surface to see before passing judgements.
    The story taught me that people should stay true to who they are, no matter what people do, say or how they treat them. It also taught me to stay firm in my faith.

  • Orji Chidiebube Prudence

    It is good to be contented with what you have and not look elsewhere. Carolyn heeded to someone outside who wanted to cause havoc to her home.. But thank God who wasn’t far, He caused her to see other people whose situation can’t in anyway be compared with hers, and so thought her a lesson. Let us be grateful to God for whatever level we are in presently cos, if not for Him, it would have been worse… Great piece MA… More grace

  • Maduabuchi Emmanuel Chidera

    Contentment is key, in a World like ours, we should strive to live within our bounds and not try to impress people. I learnt a lot from this piece.

  • #lessonslearnt. When someone thinks that his situation is bad, there is someone out there in a situation worse than his. I’m sure with the revelation Carolyn got she would become a better person.

  • Onu Victor Tochukwu

    This teaches us that no matter the situation that we think that we are in, we are far more better than someone else. Just thank God for the life he gave u then He will add every other thing that He thinks you need.

  • iheanyi ugochi elizabeth

    experience is the best teacher. when you think that your condition is worst you will definitely see someone that his condition is more worst than yours that will make you praise God for the things you have.

  • Dorcas Philip

    Aawwnnn…and it was a happy ending!..
    Lesson learnt: be grateful with what you have and where you are- striving to be better off is no bad at all,but there’s a huge chasm between “greed” and “ambition”

  • Ezema onyedika Kingsley

    Nice story.i learnt that one should be contended with the little one you have.

  • Nnaukwu Emeka John

    Another wonderful piece from Aunty Edith. It is not good for one to kill his or herself because of material things of this world; sometimes, the people we think that they are living better than us may be suffering one challenge or other. Let us not wish to be like those other people we think are doing better than us, because it is possible that the reverse is the case. We should learn to be contented with what we have and appreciate God for His numerous blessings upon us.

  • Ekwuagana Fabian Ikechukwu

    Wow!
    Very nice piece indeed, when we cry about life, we should just remember that we are better than some people. Appreciate God for the little you have.

  • Igbokwe ugochi onyedikachi

    Great write-up Aunty Edith.Most married couples need to read this.If only all women can be as considerate and goodhearted like Carolyn,most marriages will still be making sense

  • Amuzie Chioma Esther

    When you feel the world is falling on you, look around and see lots of people you are far much better than people who wish they could be where you are today and yet they are thankful and you that has somthing you can feed on is not satisfied that is why they say “we should be contented with what we have” no matter how small because there are people out there who don’t have anything people who don’t know their left to right. This story displays exactly what is happening in the world today where everybody wants to belong, everyone wants to be counted as happening people which is not right. Let’s focus on the present and most important things in life and achieve them and forget things that don’t add value to your life at that moment.

  • Ezema Maryjane

    if you want to be happy in life…quit trying to impress other people. It just doesn’t work. It has never worked. It will never work. You might be able to impress a few people. You might even be able to impress a lot of people.Thank God she realized her mistakes on time.

  • Maryrose Ugwu

    Most people have a desire to be liked by other people. It’s built into our human condition to want to look and feel important to others.

  • Ezema Maryjane

    This natural tendency to worry about others opinions will continue throughout the duration of most people’s lives .It is wrong for Christian to live as if there are competing with others one should contented with God’s provisions

  • Ezidimma odinakachukwu oluchukwu

    Thank God that Carolyn realised that SUV isn’t all that mattered. At last she discovered that she really had the best.

  • Harriet

    Thanks a lot ma
    God has provided in abundance for his people just make good use of his provisions

  • What a wonderful story, the only sad thing is that many couples would not be able to read it. it equally servers as n eye opener to those going into a relationship, while it is nice to be an independent wife or husband, it is important to keep your family affairs to yourselves, Carolyn started troubling herself after she disclosed her husband’s account balance to her friend. We should all be guided.

  • Chinedu stanley

    A really lovely story. Carolyn realized the mistake in her actions and retraced her step by apologizing to John. She realized that the car she wanted wasn’t all that matters in life and she felt sorry and apologized for her actions of disturbing John to buy an SUV. Whenever we realize the mistakes we’ve made, we should always learn to apologize

  • Bryan Casey

    3points from this story
    Be contended with what you have
    Vanity upon vanity is vanity
    Thank you Aunty

  • Duruji Veralin Ogochukwu

    captivating story indeed! I learnt about acknowledgement/admittance of faulty,forgiveness, sympathy towards the sorrows of others and most importantly contentment. Am glad Carolyn was able to come to the realisation that she is very blessed by God. Finally, i think financial independence is something everyone should try to attain in order to meet their personal needs or wants.

  • Otti Augusta

    We are by nature insatiable, we will always crave something bigger than what we already have but we shouldn’t let the things of the world dictate our happiness and relationship with God.
    In all circumstances give praise to God.

  • Uzoh Chikwado Paul

    It is only when we come in touch with the ‘bottom of the bottom’ that we appreciate God for where we are.

    The story under review makes a world of sense as well, given that it is from the realization that we are better off than many that we begin to lend helping hands to the ‘truly downtrodden’.

    Thanks for this amazing story. It’s highly didactic.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Glad to hear from you, Chikwado! Seeing people of lower status can help to keep those in the middle or upper classes grounded. When one is complaining about his salary of a hundred thousand and sees someone thanking God for the ten thousand they earn, it changes the former’s perspective. Abundant grace to you where you are now in Jesus’ name.

  • Udeobasi Blessing

    Oh! God, the story got me almost crying.
    Like the saying goes, “if you think your life is the worst, come out and see those you are far better than”.
    I’m glad Carolyn learnt her lessons fast enough before things went wrong.
    But wait, how could she think of an SUV as a better way to invest money? Hell no! It is only but a liability and will even cost more money for maintenance. Money in the bank is far better than one used to buy a car.
    Life is not a bed of roses, everyone has challenges and the earlier we learnt to live with ours without imitating others the better for us all.

  • Blessing Udeobasi

    Oh! God, the story got me almost crying.
    Like the saying goes, “if you think your life is the worst, come out and see those you are far better than”.
    I’m glad Carolyn learnt her lessons fast enough before things went wrong.
    But wait, how could she think of an SUV as a better way to invest money? Hell no! It is only but a liability and will even cost more money for maintenance. Money in the bank is far better than one used to buy a car.
    Life is not a bed of roses, everyone has challenges and the earlier we learnt to live with ours without imitating others the better for us all.

  • Adonu Ifeanyichukwu B

    Lessons learned: be contented with what you have, do not listen to negative advise from friends or anyone at all and what ever situation you find yourself in, your case is still better than a thousand and one cases.

  • Blessing Oko

    I always enjoy reading your piece Ma. Morals apart, the creative build and the standard English are enough to command rapt attention. Thank you very much

  • Ukpai-uma Lucy

    Awhnn. What an ending. Atleast the both understood everything at last. I was suggesting that Carolyn buy a Gold and keep, considering its value in the market. And also her husband was being stingy. But anyway, I am bemused and glad at everything. Definitely Carolyn knows she is better than some people now. Thank God

  • Onwusonye promise

    Reminds me of the tale of a child who was crying because his dad refused to buy shoe for him, then he came out and saw someone without legs. He learnt his lessons.
    Life is not a bed of roses and every single person has challenges to face.
    We shouldn’t use other people’s lives as yardstick for measuring our success. It can be deadly

  • Venessa Stephen

    We should all be grateful to God no matter the kind of storm we are facing because most people has gone through hell in life.
    We should bear this in mind that “All things worketh for those he loves ,those called according to his purpose”.Am happy Carolyn
    visited the poor window and saw her predicament.I think God thought her a lesson from that visit.Praise be to God!!!

  • What a wonderful story! Most times we don’t know how lucky or blessed we are until we have a glimpse of what someone else is going through. It’s good that every once in a while we remember how God blesses us and thank Him even though we’ve done nothing to merit His blessings in our lives. Thank you Jesus and God bless you ma.

  • Akupue chibuike

    It’s an interesting story ma. Before we murder ourselves over a particular situation or condition, let us think twice. Believe me,you will see every reason to praise the Lord. Successful life is not measured by the luxury life we have but how happy we are with ourselves no matter our condition. God bless us.

  • Ibe favour kalu

    Being happy is not about having much,but in being content with little. We shouldn’t be like Carolyn who lost sleep because she wasn’t contented with what she has. We should know that there are people we are better than out there. We should be thankful to God for the things we have,especially, for the gift of life. I love this story! It’s didactic.

  • John Adaobi Benedicta

    Contentment is truly a virtue. People who are not contented fail to realize that they are better than others and what they have is seriously prayed for to have by others.

  • Dennis Lydia Ekperechukwu

    We have to be content with what we have. It is not good to look at how others live their lives and how they run their homes. Even if the money belong to Carolyn husband, he must not spend it on ostentatious things to show how rich he is. In addition, things that happen around others are met to teach us lesson.

  • Ugwu Amarachi Matilda

    Wow! What an interesting story. We just need to be contented with whatever we have, no matter how little. Some don’t even have at all yet they are happy. Thank God the experience Carolyn encountered was able to open her eyes to understanding life better.

  • When we live in ignorance of other people, we tend to forget or not even imagine the worse image of those living in the slums worse than us. Every of our lives is a living testimony. That life alone should be a reason to thank God daily .

  • Chukwunwenwa Chinenye

    “The only thing constant where they lived was merciless mosquito infestation” that part got me laughing out loud.
    Now to the content of the story. Carolyn thought Sport utility vehicle was all she needed to survive little did she know that there’s more to life than that. Not as if she doesn’t have a car but just because she wanted to impress people out there. Simply put, her quest for recognition made her lack peace of mind.

    However, we often complain about trendy things like shoes and all, meanwhile some people’s legs have been hanging in the hospital bed for months or even years.
    Just the way Carolyn visited the poor widow and her perspective changed, I think we should always visit hospitals or even the less privileged as this will enable us appreciate what we have and be contented with them.

  • Ezera Favour

    We don’t know what we have until we see those who are worse than us. I grew up in a home where I had everything and most times I wasted food and accessories and complained a lot and one day my dad took us to an orphanage and I wept my eyes out and since then I appreciated God for what he gave me

  • Mbata Jemita

    Comparing oneself, beauty, wealth etc
    With another is one mistake people make in life. We should remember that all hands are not equal and be satisfied with what we have. Nice post ma.

  • Okoli Ezinne

    Wow I love this post, l learnt that we should always appreciate the Little we have no matter what life throws at us. Thank you so much ma.

  • Rose Mary

    I thank God that Carolyn came to her senses after the phone call from her husband because many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness. Contentment is a good virtue

  • Ossai Chidimma Linda

    Lol sometimes, sometimes I am guilty of this and I keep asking for mercy.

  • Egelebe uzoma geraldine

    This is a lovely story…..In life we should be grateful for what we have and not trying to prove to people to make names because there are more people suffering more than we think we do and are praying to get a little of what we have just to be a bit comfortable and keep pushing in life

  • Agena Yimase

    We should all learn to count our blessings cause if we take a minute to look around us, we will find out that we are really living like ‘The Queen of England’.

  • Theophilus Blessing

    This post is just a complement to my daily thoughts. You know, God has made all things equal but we humans are so blind to see it. Whenever we are faced with situations, we always think that we are the worst people on earth even our status or parents’, background etc. But, there are a thousand and One people you are far better than. Even the one whose condition is more critical than yours still has someone or people who he is far better than. So in this world, in whatever situation you find yourself, give glory to God but pray for a change or an upliftment.

  • Cynthia

    Wow!! What a lovely story .. In any situation u find yourself give praise to God, because u don’t know people situation out there.. Thanks ma for this short story. I will show it to my sis,who newly got married..

  • Chukwurah Nnenna Chisom

    This is a story with great lesson. Being contented with what you have is very necessary. Life is not bed of roses!! Thank God for Carolyn..

  • Obiaga ifunanya steph

    When we think we have it bad,some people have it worse.we should learn to be grateful for all what we can afford and what we get. Contentment is an important key we should imbibe in us as Christians

  • Kooyon Abigail A

    It’s good to always be contented with whatever we have. Our condition can never be the worst. When you look left and right, you’ll discover that they are people out there, who are seeking to be like us.
    Thank God she realized that before time.

  • Chioma Christy Agbaraka

    Contentment is key. I am glad Carolyn finally saw how truly blessed she was. It’s okay to yearn for more but not too good when it’s out of “what people will say”. People will definitely talk, so no need pleasing them. Be true to yourself. God who sees the heart of men will reward you.

  • Egenti Blossom Mmesoma

    The thing about trying to please people and assure them that you ‘re up to standard is that sometimes those people you are trying to please are even dealing with their own issues to notice yours or maybe they are also putting up a front just to pease you too. Live a life that you can afford and don’t go broke trying to reach standards you cannot afford. Some of the things we consider as not valuable are worth more than gold to other people. Value what you have before you lose it and dont put value on irrelevant stuff.

  • Omaga Chiagozie

    Discussing our family outside can bring coarse in our home because that person you are discussing it with will give you a bad advice that will destroy your home just like in the case of Carolyn. It is also good to be contended with what one has. Appreciate God for what you have and he will bless you with more. Thank God Carolyn recognize her mistake and ask for forgiveness from her husband and to think that the money that was causing this commotion was not there own to start with.

  • UDOETTE GIDEON COSMAS

    Carolyn and earthly possession. Set your sight on those things which can’t perish.seek ye the kingdom them every other thing is yours.we should be thankful and contented and cut our coat according to our size.we should not take for granted all the lors has done for us.as other might be aspiring to be in our shoes.

  • Thomas Rebecca Ina

    The way we make little things matter; sometimes we fail to see how privileged we are. praise God the way things went; this story is very emotional, and I learnt a lot.

  • Ezekiel Stanley C.

    Most times we forget how lucky we are especially when comparing ourselves with others. Imagine Carolyn dreaming for SUV when others are living in slums. There are people who cannot afford three square meal in a day… Let learn…. Aunty Edith nice short story with embedded morals more power and inspiration IJN amen

  • Joy Morgan

    We should learn to be contented with what we have. Some people don’t have as much as we do so we should be grateful. This story has a lot of lessons to learn from it.

  • Duru Joselyn Amarachi

    I caught myself smiling at the end during the pillow fight.
    I think that was God’s loving way of correcting Carolyn in her error.
    Lastly,John is so sweet and gentle too.

  • Nwakaeze Jane

    I must confess this is what am experiencing somehow in my marriage… Am so confused now ma… I can’t actually share all my experiences here. I’ll come around. Thanks.

  • Ejiofor Emmanuel

    One should learn to be contented with the little he has. There is this peace of mind attached to it.

  • Chinecherem Stephens

    Godliness with contentment is great gain. Our problem starts when we begin to compare ourselves with others. It has sent many to an early grave. Carolyn is blessed to have the kind of man John is.

  • Okere Jovita

    I really love this story….that’s how the world works no matter how bad your situation is be sure to meet those you are better than so instead of lamenting all the time just say thank you Lord for the ones i have….always appreciate the one you have and let go of the ones you don’t have and with time you will also get more

  • Glory Oluchi

    The Bible says that godliness with contentment is great gain. I believe that the gain God is talking about is peace. There is no peace for you until you appreciate and are contented with what you have.

  • Oluchi Opara

    I really enjoyed reading this story.
    Smiles.

  • Hilarious
    You can thrive on earth if you have contentment in you.
    UNN taught me that.

    Who thought I would survive with five thousand for a month on feeding?
    Thank you Lord

  • David ezinne queen

    Sometimes something has to happen for people to get back to their senses

  • Hope Emeka

    Carolyn is a good lady. Once she realized she should be grateful for the things she already has, she stopped bothering her husband. Such a beautifully written story!

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