Weekend Story-The Sad Lady And The Monk
October 27, 2025
There was once a lady who had two sons.
The elder made noodles—the younger sold umbrellas.
On sunny days, she worried for her younger son.
“Oh no,” she sighed, “it hasn’t rained in days. My poor boy’s umbrella shop must be empty. How will he manage?”
And she felt sad.
On rainy days, she worried about her elder son.
“Oh dear,” she fretted, “how will my boy dry his noodles in this weather? What will he do now?”
And she felt sad again.
Rain or shine, she always found a reason to grieve. Her neighbors began calling her the Sad Lady.
One day, a wandering monk visited the town. Hearing about her constant sorrow, he went to see her.
“Reverend,” she said, “I love my sons, but I can’t stop worrying. On some days, one suffers; on other days, the other does. Tell me, how can I ever be happy?”
The monk smiled gently.
“My dear lady,” he said, “your problem is not the weather. It’s your way of seeing it.”
He continued, “When the sun shines, rejoice for your elder son—his noodles will dry perfectly and business will be good.
When it rains, rejoice for your younger son—his umbrellas will sell faster than ever.”
The lady was silent for a moment. Then her face lit up with understanding.
From that day on, whatever the weather, she found a reason to smile.
And the Sad Lady became the Happy Lady.
