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 )