There was once a good and wise king who was at the end of his life. One day, sensing that he was about to die, he called his only son, took a ring from his finger, gave it to him, and said, “When you become a king, always carry this ring with you. There’s an inscription on it. When you go through difficult times or moments of glory, remove the ring and read what is written therein.”

The wise old king died, and his son reigned in his place, always wearing the ring his father gave him. After some time, conflicts arose with the neighbouring kingdom, culminating in a major war.

And in a moment of great anguish in heated battles, seeing dead people and many injured lying amid a pool of blood, he remembered the ring, took it and read the inscription: “This too shall pass away.” He continued to struggle with his mighty army. He lost a few battles; he won a few others. But in the end, he was victorious.

Upon returning to his kingdom, he was covered with the laurels of conquest and crowned with glory, acclaimed by all as the greatest of heroes. At that moment, he remembered his dear old dad. He removed the ring again and read: “This too shall pass away.”

How important it is to manage wisely the moments of pain and the moments of glory. In the difficult moments of life it’s important to know that that our affliction is momentary and light, that is, it does not last forever.