FOUR BOYFRIENDS

From an E-mail, author unknown

02 May 2008

Once upon a time, there was this 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 this girl faced a 
problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the 
difficult times. 
 
 
The girls 1st boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great 
contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did 
not love the first 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 four boyfriends 
with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.' 
 
 
Thus, she asked the 4th boyfriend, 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 boyfriend, and he walked away without 
another word. 
 
 
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart. 
 
 
The sad girl then asked the 3rd boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. 
Now that I'm 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 the 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.' 
 
 
 
His 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, you have 4 boyfriends in your lives: 
 
 
Your 4th boyfriend 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 boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you 
die, it will all go to others. 
 
 
Your 2nd boyfriend 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 boyfriend 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 wherever 
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. 
 
 
Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided 
to see beyond the imperfections.