There was once a rich king who had four wives. He loved the fourth wife the most and gave her fine clothes to wear and treated her to all manner of luxuries.
He also loved the third wife very much and was always showing her off to neighbouring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.
He also loved his second wife. He confided in her, and she was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the king faced a problem, he spoke with 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. She loved him deeply, but he hardly took any notice of her.
The king fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought, “I have four wives with me, but when I die, I will be all alone.” He asked his fourth wife, “I have loved you the most and taken great care of you, now that I’m dying will you follow me and keep me company?” “No way,” she replied and walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.
The sad king then asked the third wife, “Now that I’m dying will you follow me and keep me company as I have always loved you.” “No, when you die, I am going to remarry.” His heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the second wife, “I have always turned to you for help, when I die will you follow me and keep ne company?” “I cannot help you this time.” Came the reply and the king was devastated. Then someone said, “I will follow you no matter where you go.” It was the first wife; she was thin because she had suffered from neglect and malnutrition. Greatly grieved the king said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance.”
We all have four wives in our lives. Our fourth wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we spend on making it look good it will leave us when we die. The third is our possessions, status, and wealth. When we die they will go to others.
Our second 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.
The first is our soul which is often neglected in the pursuit of wealth, power, and pleasures of the world. However, our soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. So, 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.
With every blessing,
Garry.