A Life Changing Lesson From Failure

Hello fellow hive fans. I hope you’re doing well.

This is the story of Tunde, an ordinary man whose life took a hard turn. It’s about a lesson he learned the hardest way through loss and regret.

Tunde lived in a single, cramped room with his wife, Ngozi, and their two kids. He worked as a janitor at a school. His pay barely covered food. Most days, the family shared one meal. Some nights, they went to bed hungry.

Then Ngozi became very sick. Her strength faded quickly. She could hardly sit up. At the hospital, the doctor told Tunde it was a kidney infection. She needed surgery. The cost was far beyond anything he could imagine paying.

That night, Tunde was on the porch and sat on a wooden stool. He put his head in his hands. The night was still, but he talked as if he was alone. "God, why me? What should I do? How can I save her?" His kids were asleep in the house. He felt like a tiny, powerless, and lonely man. Out of ideas, he went to his older brother.

He kneeled down, wiped his tears with his hand, and begged, “Please, help me with money. I promise to pay you back in installments. Ngozi’s life is hanging by a thread.” His brother responded by shaking his head. “I don’t have that kind of money. If I did, why should I throw it into sickness? Take her home. Treat her with herbs. The hospital will be your downfall.” Tunde went home on foot, feeling like his family had rejected him.

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Days passed very slowly. Ngozi's health kept deteriorating. One day, while Tunde was sweeping behind the school, the broom he was using hit something that was buried in the ground. He leaned down, dug with his hand, and revealed a gold spoon. There were some weird signs on the handle. Initially, he thought it wasn't any remarkable thing.

That evening, having very little rice, he decided to use the spoon to scoop it. To him rice surprised doubling in size. He did it once more. The rice went beyond the edge of the bowl. Next he put the spoon into the water and the water multiplied too. His heart was racing. Could this be true?

That night, his family overate. For the first time in several months, they slept with their stomachs full and happiness. At the beginning, Tunde only used the spoon for his family and a few neighbors.

People praised him for his good deed. He was on a high like a king. But his ambition gradually took over. He began to see it only as an opportunity to make money. He started to make large quantities of food for the purpose of selling at high prices. His house turned into a warehouse of rice, beans, and garri. Neighbors whispered about his money, which had come from nowhere. Some of them liked him. Others doubted him.

Tunde used his money to perform surgery on Ngozi. After that, she came home fit and strong. The family gave a great party. But he did not stop there. He purchased land, constructed a big house, and started a business.

Nevertheless, he was still not content. People started to talk. “Tunde is exploiting us,” was what they were saying. He paid no attention to them. He convinced himself that he was doing it all for his family’s welfare. However, he knew very well that he was being consumed by greed.

One evening, Tunde and Ngozi sat at dinner with her family. They were laughing and praising him as a good husband. Then came a knock at the door. Ngozi opened it to a tall policeman in uniform.

“Good evening. I’m Inspector Sean from the state CID. Is this Mr. Tunde?”

Tunde’s chest tightened. “Yes… I am.”

The officer stepped inside and handed him a paper. “You’re under arrest for illegal trading, tax evasion, and suspicious activity. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court.”

The room fell silent. Ngozi froze by the door. The children clung to her wrapper. Tunde’s mind went blank.

As the officer led him out in handcuffs, shame washed over him. He remembered when he had nothing but still had peace. Tears blurred his sight. The wealth he thought would save him had ruined everything.

The police searched his home and found the golden spoon broken on the ground. Its bright shine was gone. It was dull and rusty now, worthless.

In prison, Tunde thought about what he had done. He could have used the spoon to help the hungry and support his neighbors. Instead, he hoarded food, cheated buyers, and let pride rule him.

Ngozi visited sometimes, but her eyes were different. The love in them was gone. She looked at him with pity. His children grew up carrying the shame of his name. In the dark of his cell, Tunde whispered to himself, “If only I had been content. If only I had shared. If only I had been wise.” But it was too late.

Years later, parents in the community told Tunde’s story to their children. They spoke of the Golden Spoon as a warning. Greed can turn a blessing into a curse. True wealth isn’t gold or food or houses. It’s kindness, contentment, and love.

Tunde’s story became a lesson for everyone: when life gives you a miracle, use it well. More than enough is always better than too much.