The King's four wives

[Guest guest]

Found this on the web.

Jai Maa

Nanda

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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 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 no w, 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.