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The first time Samuel heard it was when he was 18 years old.
Samuel was the last born of Mr. And Mrs. Smith. They loved and cherished Samuel so much because he was their last child.
When Samuel was in secondary school, he happened to be a striker for his football team. He was a sharp shooter to the extent that he was irreplaceable. If his team is losing in a game, he will make sure that he wins the match. He always puts in all efforts to ensure that his team comes out in flying colors. That was the reason why they named him “WONDER BOY” because of his ability to turn things around positively.
One day, his team reached the final of the tournament. He tried his best to win the football match for his team, but all his efforts proved abortive. They didn't win the match, they came second.
After the football match, he went home unhappy. His mother set a table for him to eat, he could not touch the food at all. He was sad and lost in thought.
Soliloquy.
Ah, with all our efforts to win. We didn't win the match. The people that respected and reposed their confidence in me. Hmmm, I have failed them.
Suddenly, one person tapped his shoulder from behind and asked, "Why my boy? " You are not a failure, “Better Luck Next Time”.
Samuel was frightened.
“Ah! Dad. I didn't know that you were at my back. Hmm, daddy. How am I going to face people who loved and cherished me so much? This is a shame.”
“Don’t worry, you will make it next time. You were there for them before. Don't you know that at times failure is good, because it strengthens people to do better next time.” Said Mr. Joel Smith.
“Okay Sir, thank you. That is why I have you as a father.’ Samuel prostrated.
After Samuel finished secondary school. He made his result in one sitting, and he was intended to study medicine in university but his JAMB scores were too negligible for the course that he desired to study, and he was not eligible for the program again.
Meanwhile, Samuel had been bragging to his friends that this year, I am going to university. This is the incoming university student. Now, things have changed.
Devastated.
Samuel was in his room without eating any food or going out for days. This new development made Mrs. Smith worried.
“Ah, how a child will exist without eating food, taking bath, and stepping outside. If you are communicating to God. There is going to be a particular day that you will eat. I must tell his father to enable us to do something before things turn negative.” Said Mrs. Smath.
The following day, Mr. Joel Smith was not on duty. That is, he didn't go to work, and decided to spend quality time with his family. When he got home. Mrs. Smith was in the kitchen cleaning dishes.
Mr. Joel Smith was excited. “Peace upon people living in this house. Dearling! Dearling!! I am at home.”
“Why didn't you go to work today? I hope things are fine. I did not expect you. Though, I was thinking on how to call you. As regards Smanuel’s attitude nowadays.” Mrs. Smith asked.
Mr. Smith responded.
“What happened? What is going on? Anyway, I am not on duty today and tomorrow. Since I will come home tomorrow weekend, I just felt like spending quality time with you and my children. Honestly, I have missed you dear. Now, tell me what is going on.”
“Really, you miss me. Okay. Let us deal with the issue on the ground. I would like to tell you that your baby has come again. I don't know what to do. I have tried my best to talk to him, but he didn't listen to me and I know that you are my last hope. “ said Mrs. Smith.
Mr. Joel Smith was confused.
“Which of my babies? You are all my babies.”
“Let us stop this joke. After Samuel missed out on his admission into university. Since that time, he was not the same again. He was indoors, not eating, drinking or taking baths all this while. Please, do something.” Mrs. Smith curioused.
Mr. Smith went to his room and knocked on the door. Initially, Samuel didn't open the door but after several attempts. He opened the door.
Eulogized.
“Samuel! You are one among millions of successful people in the world. You are a glorious child that no one can ever match. Handsome man, the one beautiful damsel sees and refuses to leave. What is it? I have told you not to panic, Better luck next time. You are going to make it in life. It is not how far, but how well. Many of your colleagues have gone, and you are still alive. Only the patient dog can eat the fat meat.” Mr. Smith encouraged.
Samuel was relieved, he concluded that it is only God who can make one become something in life. Like my father said, “Better Luck Next Time”. I believe in God.
The End