|
The King & His 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 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 send you to your grave." Her answer came
like a bolt of lightning, and the King was
devastated.
Then a voice called out: "I'll leave with you
and follow you no matter where you go." The King
looked up, and there was his first wife. She was
so 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.
When the world pushes you to your
knees.....You're in the perfect position to pray.
|
