Someone shared this with me recently via Facebook. There have been variations of this story that have been passed around before but I love this one best. It really puts things into perspective about what is important and hopefully will make you take pause today and look at your priorities.
In the wake of the senseless tragedy in Newtown, CT I have really used my grief for the parents and family of the victims/hero's to think about how much my family and children mean to me and what my priorities are. I have looked beyond the words of the cliche to 'make every moment count' and have applied it to my actions. We are all so caught up in unessential matters and with insignificant people that those moments wasted could have went to our loved ones, the ones who deserve us to be present the most.
I hope this story brings a little perspective to you today.
"A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles roll
ed into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’
The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..
‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—-your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else—-the small stuff.
‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.
Take care of the golf balls first—-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend."
Enjoy your family and friends this and all seasons.
~ L
XO
Myself, My Son Blake, Daughter Kaleigh Rain and Husband David. The loves of my life!
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