The Four Lovers
Once upon a time, there was a Queen who had four lovers.
She loved the 4th lover the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the Best.
She also loved the 3rd lover very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.
She also loved her 2nd lover. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever the Queen faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.
The Queen's 1st lover was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first lover. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him.
One day, the Queen fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four lovers with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.
Thus, she 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 he walked away without another word.
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.
The sad Queen 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 love someone else!'
Her heart sank and turned cold.
She 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.'
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the Queen was devastated.
Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.'
The Queen looked up, and there was her first lover. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly grieved, the Queen said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, you have 4 lovers in your life:
Your 4th lover is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.
Your 3rd lover is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.
Your 2nd lover is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you,the furthest they can stay by you is up to the Grave.
And your 1st lover is your Soul, often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, your Soul is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you 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.*
Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.
I hope this touched you! God bless you.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
HONOR GOD. MAKE DISCIPLES.
