Four wives
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 neighbouring 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, 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 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.