Four Boyfriends

Four Boyfriends

Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends:
 

She loved the fourth 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 third 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 second 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 girl's first 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 her fourth boyfriend, “I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing, and showered great care upon you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?”

“No way!” replied the fourth boyfriend and he walked away without another word. His answer cut like a sharp knife into her heart.

The sad girl then asked her third boyfriend, “I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” 

“No!” replied the third 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 second 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 second 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, from a distance, a voice called out: “I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go!” The girl looked up, and saw that it was her first boyfriend.

As he approached her, she noticed that he was dressed in rags, and was unkempt in appearance. 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 opportunity to do so!”

The moral of this story, for in truth, you have four boyfriends in your life:  Your fourth 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 third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth: When you die, it will all become the possessions of others.  Your second boyfriend is your family and friends: No matter how much they have been there for you, how much they love you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the graveside. Your first boyfriend is your spirit:  Your spirit is often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and the pleasures of this world. However, your spirit is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Take time to cultivate, strengthen, and cherish it now. Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.

Remember....live every day to the fullest. Life isn’t wrapped in pretty paper or tied with a bow, but it is still a gift. Each minute is a blessing from God.

And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.

If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours!

Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

~Starr