Four Wives

[gator8_24]

     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 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 K ing 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 o ut 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.