Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives.
He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies.
He gave her nothing but the best.
He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always
showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However,
he feared that one day she would leave him for another.
He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidante
and was always kind, considerate and patient with
him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could
confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.
The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had
made great contributions in maintaining his wealth
and kingdom. However, he did not love the first
wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took
notice of her!
One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was
short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered,
"I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone."
Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the
most, endowd you with the finest clothing and
showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying,
will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No way!" replied the 4th wife, and she walked away
without another word.
Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his
heart.
The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved
you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you
follow me and keep me company?"
"No!" replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good!
When you die, I'm going to remarry!"
His heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to
you for help and you've always been there for me.
When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied
the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only
walk with you to your grave."
Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and
the King was devastated.
Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll
follow you no matter where you go."
The King looked up, and there was his first wife.
She was very skinny as she suffered from
malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King
said, "I should have taken much better care of you
when I had the chance!"
In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:
Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time
and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will
leave us when we die.
Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth.
When we die, it will all go to others.
Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter
how much they have been there for us, the furthest
they can stay by us is up to the grave.
And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in
pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, our Soul is the only thing that will
follow us wherever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and
cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that
will follow us to the throne of God and continue
with us throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day:
Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees,
you're in the perfect position to pray.
