Today is Wednesday, March 3rd, 2004; Karen's Korner #243

This is something that Jean Lindstrom forwarded to me not long ago:

 

 

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 send you
to your grave."
 
Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the King
was devastated.
 
Then a voice called out: "I'll leave with you and
follow you no matter where you go." The King looked
up, and there was his first wife. She was so 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 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. So cultivate, strengthen and
cherish it now, for it is the only part of us who will
follow us to the throne of God and continue with us
throughout Eternity.

When the world pushes you to your knees......you're in
the perfect position to pray.

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