The Important Things in Life

     A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.

     He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

     So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

     He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

     The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up the remaining open areas of the jar.

     He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”

     “Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that 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, 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 rocks. The same goes for your 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. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party, or fix the disposal.”

     “Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”


REMEMBER!

    Learn to set your priorities in life - God, Family, Friends and other stuff.

    First, rocks. Your family, parents, health and children are the things that no one can buy. These are the things that is always there to help when you have problems, to guide you when you're lost and to comfort you when you feel down. Even though your "extra" things (i.e. job,  house, money, gadgets) will be lost, these "rocks" will still remain.

    Second, pebbles. Your job, house, car or any other things that you enjoy with money. These are just the secondary things you need in life. What will you do with these stuff if you don't have your family and friends? What will you do with these stuff if you are suffering from a Stage-4 cancer? And what will you do with these stuff if you don't believe Him? Remember, that these things are just extras to add little happiness in your life.

    And lastly, the sand. These are the things that you do just for fun. Just for satisfaction. Just for your own enjoyment. Basically, we can live life to the fullest even if we don't have these things. These are the not so important things we have in life. Let these things be your least priority in life and give so much attention to your rocks and pebbles.

    Take care of your family. Love them. Live with them. Enjoy your life with them. You won't lose them for God created them to be with you in times of happiness and sadness. Give importance to your rocks.

    I hope you learn something from this entry. God bless us all.