FOUR SONS
Once upon a time there was a father who had four Sons.
He loved the 4th Son the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. He gave him nothing but the best.
He also loved the 3rd Son very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day he would leave her for another.
He also loved her 2nd Son. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this father faced a problem, he could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.
The fathers 1st Son was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first Son. Although he loved her deeply, he hardly took notice of him!
One day, the father fell ill and he knew her time was short. He thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four Sons with me, but when I die, I"ll be all alone."
Thus, he asked the 4th Son, "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 Son, and he walked away without another word.
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.
The sad father then asked the 3rd Son, "I loved you all my life. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No!", replied the 3rd Son. "Life is too good! When you die, I’m going to marry someone else!"
Her heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the 2nd Son, "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"msorry, I can’t help you out this time!", replied the 2nd Son. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave."
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the father was devastated.
Then a voice called out: "I’ll go with you. I’ll follow you no matter where you go."
The father looked up, and there was her first Son. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly grieved, the father said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, you have 4 Sons in your lives:
Your 4th Son 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 Son is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.
Your 2nd Son 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 Son 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.
NB! Being happy doesn’t mean everything’s perfect. It means you’ve decided to see beyond the imperfections.
