4 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 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 first 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 fourth 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 fourth wife, and she walked away without another
word.

Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

  T he sad King then asked the third wife, "I loved you all my life.
Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!",
replied  the third wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to
remarry!"

His heart sank and turned cold.

  He then asked the second 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 second  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 third wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die,
it will all go to others.

Our second 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 first 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 being
with us throughout Eternity.