The Important Things in Life

During this time of the year, people find themselves losing focus in their lives. They get so caught up in “The Season” as it is called. This can be one of the most stressful times of the year for many. It brings to mind a story I heard some time ago about a philosophy professor who 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″ 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 everything else. 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 Church, your Ministry, your family, your spouse, 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. Pray everyday to God, give thanks for what He has done, Love every one and Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Tell your husband or wife how much you love them. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house and give a dinner. Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."