4 lovers

Once upon a time there was a rich man who had four lovers.

He loved the 4th lover 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 lover very much and was always showing her off to his friends. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved his 2nd lover. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the man faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The man's 1st lover was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and land. However, he did not love the first lover. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her! One day, the man fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, I now have four lovers with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone."

Thus, he asked the 4th lover "I 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 lover, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad man then asked the 3rd lover, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No!" replied the 3rd lover. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd lover, "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 lover. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the man was devastated.

Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The man looked up, and there was his first lover. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the man said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, we all have the 4 lovers in our lives:
Our 4th lover 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 lover is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd lover 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 lover 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.

Share this on to someone you care about - I just did. Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!