Inspirational

STORY ABOUT A MAN WITH FOUR WIVES

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives.

He loved the 4th wife the most and adored 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 confidant 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 loved you the most,
endowed 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 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 pleasures of the world.

However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us
where ever we go.Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is
the only part of us that will follow 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.

Pass this on to someone you care about - I just did.