Four Boyfriends

This was emailed to me by Neri, a very good friend of mine.

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ... THIS IS A VERY VERY NICE STORY...MAPAPAISIP KA...

Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends. She loved the 4th boyfriend 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 boyfriend 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 boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate, and patient with her. Whenever she was faced with a problem she would confide in him and he would help her get through the difficult times. Her 1st boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love her 1st boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply she hardly took notice of him!

One day the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have 4 boyfriends with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone. Thus, she asked her 4th boyfriend, "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I am dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!" replied the 4th boyfriend and he walked away without another word. His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart. The sad girl then asked her 3rd boyfriend, "I loved you all my life. Now that I am dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!" replied the 3rd boyfriend. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else." Her heart sank and turned cold. She then asked her 2nd boyfriend, "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 boyfriend. At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated. Then a voice called out, "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The girl looked up and there was her 1st boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the girl said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance."

In truth we have 4 boyfriends in our lives: Our 4th boyfriend 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 boyfriend is our possessions, status, and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd boyfriend is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furtherest they can stay by us is up to the grave. And our 1st boyfriend is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power, and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only one that will follow us wherever we 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.

MORAL LESSON OF THE STORY:

Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray. :)