[FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']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.[/FONT][FONT='Arial', 'sans-serif'][/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']showing her off to neighbouring kingdoms. However, he[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']feared that one day she would leave him for another.[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']was always kind, considerate and patient with him.[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']of her![/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']his luxurious life and wondered, "I now have four wives with me, but when[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']I die, I'll be all alone."[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying,[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!", replied the 4th wife,[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']and she walked away without another word.. Her answer cut like a sharp[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']knife right into his heart.[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!", replied[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']heart sank and turned cold.[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the 2nd[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']had the chance!"[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']making it look good, it will leave us when we die.[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']all go to others.[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']follow us wherever we go.[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']Eternity.[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect[/FONT] [FONT='Berlin Sans FB', 'sans-serif']position to pray.[/FONT]
