After their graduation from higher institution, Janet and Mary left the village and relocated to the nearest town in search of white collar jobs. With the support of their parents, they rented a small room to live in.
After about a year, they could not get the kind of job they desired. They made up their mind to establish businesses. Mary learnt how to make hair. She started offering home services to her clients while she tried to get money to rent a shop.
On her part, Janet became a caterer. she couldn’t do the business in large scale because of money constraints. She cooks at home and sell at a private school. She also sell soft drinks and snacks.
Mary came home after attending to one of her clients and met Janet in a very happy mood.
“J baby you are so happy, It’s like you met Mr. Right today,” Mary asked with a mischievous wink.
“My sister please forget marriage issue. Money first before marriage,” Janet answered.
“So what is making you so happy?” May inquired
“My dear, I won a contract of supplying soft drinks to an event. My profit after the supply will be in 5 figures,” Janet said excitedly.
“Wow! that’s good news. That means that after executing the contract, you will cook fried rice and chicken for us,” Mary joked.
“My dear, that one is a small thing. we will pop wine.”
Mary jumped up in jubilation.
“But there is a challenge,” Janet continued. I don’t know how to get money to execute the contract. They told me that I have to bring the products before getting paid.”
“But they ought to give you a part payment,” Mary told her
“That was what I told them but they didn’t agree. I felt they were trying to apply caution so they have not done business with me previously.”
“So, how are you sure that they will pay you after supplying the goods to them?”
“The agreement was that they will pay me immediately I supply the drinks.”
“That is good too,” Mary noted.
“But my challenge is how to get the money to buy the drinks. Many of the suppliers insisted I must pay before I collect the goods.”
“My dear, the issue of capital for business is a major one. I saw a vacant shop today in strategic area. That place is perfect for my business. My challenge is that I don’t have money. But I believe in miracle. There is nothing that God cannot do,” Mary said firmly.
After the discussion, Mary started making contacts on how to help Janet get money. Though she didn’t tell Janet so as not to give her false hope.
Mary contacted Sandra, one of their neighbours. She promised Sandra that the money would be paid back with little interest.
Instead of allowing her money to be dormant, Sandra decided to give Mary the money. When Sandra went to their room to have final discussion with Mary, she didn’t meet her at home. Janet welcomed her.
“Where is Mary? I spoke with her on phone and we agreed to meet here.”
“Don’t worry, she will be home soonest. I hope there is no problem?”
“No, she told me that she needs money urgently for a business. That was why I am here.”
“So Mary had already gotten who will give her money to rent a shop. I will not allow it. It is either I do mine first or two of us will remain in this condition,” Janet thought to herself.
“Sandra listen to me. Mary is a chronic debtor. Many of the people she owed since last year have not gotten their money. I’m telling you this because we are neighbours. If you must give out your money, give it to honest people who will pay you back.”
On hearing that Sandra thanked her and left. When Mary came back, she asked about Sandra and discovered that she had left.
“Please we need to go to her house. I have been making inquiries on how to help you get money to buy the drinks. Fortunately, Sandra agreed to give me. Though I didn’t tell her that you are the one that need the money” Mary told Janet
Janet could not believe what she heard.
“So I was fighting myself, “she cried in her heart .
Janet convinced Mary to relax and eat food while she go to meet Sandra to complete the discussion.
On getting to Sandra’s house, she explained to Sandra to lend her the money because she had a project to execute.
Sandra looked at her and shook her head. ” My dear, I cannot give you my money because I don’t trust you. If someone that borrows money without paying back is your friend, how do you expect me to trust you with my money? If you show me your friend, I will tell you who you are.”
That was how Janet lost the golden opportunity of getting money to execute the business.
There is no competition in life. We are here to support and encourage one another. A friend should show himself friendly because whatever you sow is what you will reap. It is a law!
