It's A Wonderful World...

There are many things that are wrong in the world today, and a lot of reasons (if you choose) to despair.

If we choose to.

Or, we can work on ourselves to be the change that we want to see in the world. To eliminate the cruelty, selfishness, predjudice in ourselves. To be kinder, more understanding, and generous with one another.

Even people that we don't know. Or don't look like us. Or don't live in our neighborhood/city/country.

No matter where we live, there is something to be grateful for.

Having a home, clothes to wear, food to eat, and water to drink. If you live in the West, there are all kinds of labor-saving devices that make your life easier. All kinds of gadgets to use to work, play, communicate, and other things. Just about all of them are within the financial reach of the average person. Physically, life doesn't get much better than this.

With all that we have physically, there is still the emotional and spiritual to work on. Can we become better people, so that our inner reality matches our physical reality? I think that we can. I think that I can; I'm willing to do my best to do so.

Can we start with our families? Can we treat our families with the respect that we extend to strangers? Before you flame me, think about this: Haven't you noticed that when someone want you to do something because 'we are family', that it is something that is usually not in your best interest? It will cost you, and not the other person, in terms of time, effort, money, and trouble. (This principle extends to any request that falls under the 'we have ____ in common, so you should do this' category)

Can we remember to use 'please', 'thank you', 'may I', and be kind, thoughtful and helpful to our immediate family members? Spread the love :-)!

It's A Wonderful World...

The Queens' Four Boyfriends

Once upon a time there was a queen 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 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 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 Eternity.

[LaVeda here: Unknown Author... I received this in my email today, and I thought that it was excellent 'Food for Thought'.]

The Queens' Four Boyfriends