Four Wives

Was thinking abut you and wanted to share this message. Have a great week!
 
4 WIVES
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 confidante 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 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. 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 fourth wife, "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 fourth 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 third wife, "I loved you all my life. Now
that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!", replied
the third wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!"
 
His heart sank and turned cold.
 
He then asked the second 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 second 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 third wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it
will all go to others.
 
Our second 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 first 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 being with us
throughout Eternity.
==Links==
* Parables
* Bill Ogden sent this in an email in September 2007