HERE IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT AS YOU GO THROUGH THE NEXT WEEKS OF LIFE....GOOD THOUGHTS FOR ALL OF US.

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 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.  

 Pass this on to someone you care about - I just did.