Priorities

This was one of those forwarded emails meant to encourage and uplift the recipient. I rarely read them to the end and it is even more rare that I forward them on. And yet, here I am, "forwarding" it to all of you!

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

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 rolled 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 cups of coffee 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. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. 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 coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Author unknown.

(Oh, and it ends with "Please share this with someone you care about. I JUST DID")

Comments

[Amy in IN]

I've read this story several times before, but it never ceases to remind me of what I should know. It also fits nicely into my women's Sunday school class book - Elizabeth George's "God's Wisdom for a Woman's Life." I just read through the 2nd chapter today, and it was talking about how when we prioritize our life properly, we have time for the first things and the second things, but if we have our priorties out of order, then nothing fits as it should, leaving us breathless and devoid of any peace.

Blessings! :)

[Kim from Hiraeth]

Hello, Amy! Thanks for leaving a comment! :)

That sounds like a good book. And that's wise advice that you've shared! I've heard of Elizabeth George but I haven't read any of her books.

[Kim]

I shared a variation of this story with some teens once. Good story.

[Marlene S.]

This is a great reminder to start each day with the essential... time with God. I just came across a great saying to that end, No read(the Bible), No feed (breakfast). It's helped me remember my Lord (the golf ball... though I hate to use that analogy) before I tame my rumbling tummy (the sand).

[Homemanager]

Thanks Kim and Amy for the encouragements. I have been struggling with time management. In the midst of working on my "late" quarterly reports and marking papers, I had been given the grace to set my heart to be diligent and the Lord graciously gave me some new thoughts on how to prioritize my day. He is so faithful to us.
I have read "A Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George and liked it very much. It is more of a "Titus 2" book. I would recommend it! I should invest in "God's Wisdom for a Woman's Life" as well.... :o)

[Lauren]

Years ago, I watched a visiting Pastor tell the story with all the props, it was one of those lightbulb moments.

On a second note, thank you so much for your kind words today. I'm surprised at how much I allowed someone else's words to hurt me, but it sure helps to know others see things differently. :)

[Kathy]

Thanks with this wise analogy. I'll be sharing it in my next office meeting, taking the liberty to include marlene s.'s essential in its proper place!