A Story: The Four Boy Friends

[ladycolorado]

FOUR BOYFRIENDS




Once upon a time there was this girl who had four
boyfriends.

She loved the 4th boyfriend the most and adored 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 first 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 d ie.

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 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!







regardless of your spiritual beliefs i was sent this story and thought quite nice and uplifting, (LC).

[Bad_Boy]

This story reminded me of something. But I was thinking Aesop. Wrong as usual.

I've found Ahmed's version that tells the story of four wives. I think Ahmed says this story originated with Khanqah Sheikh Zakariyya from Lenasia, South Africa. This is where my research hits a dead end. Sure, I can find references involving the Khanqah Sheikh, but it alludes to a lot of things to which I have no cultural reference. Can someone lend me a hand?

Now back to my research about something else (did I say short attention span?). Steve...I may be asking you some questions .

BB

-----
Hey--I've done a late edit here because of inadvertently posting the scary with the comfort. Sorry folks. Still interested about the origins of this story. Is it much older than what was found so far?

[Tootsie]

Thats so true ! Thanks for the words of wisdom

[Seasprite]

thanks for sharing this.

it's hard to find a boyfriend at all when you feel this bad. LOL

now I have 4 LOLLOOOOLLL