Got this from my Mom in an email...

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 girl's 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 witho ut 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 alwaysturned 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
gi rl 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 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.

Thanks Mom!