The King - My wives, my live

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 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 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.