The Four Candles

[Harbhajan]

THE FOUR CANDLES

The four candles burned slowly, their ambiance was so soft you could

hear them speak.

The first candle said, "I am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to

keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminished and went out

completely.

The second candle said, "I am Faith, but these days, I am no longer

indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminished and went out.

The third candle spoke, "I am Love and I haven't the strength to stay

lit any longer. People put me aside and don't understand my

importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them."

And waiting no longer, Love went out completely.

Suddenly, a child entered the room and saw the three candles no

longer burning. The child began to cry, "Why are you not burning? You

are supposed to stay lit until the end."

Then the fourth candle spoke to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for

I am Hope, and while I still burn, we can relight the other candles."

With shining eyes the child took the candle of Hope and lit the other

three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope to go out of your life. With Hope, no

matter how bad things look and are... Peace, Faith and Love can shine

brightly in our lives.

(author unknown )