Fwd: The Four Wives

[Guest guest]

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 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 have 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 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 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.

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