A popular philosophy professor stood before class on the first day of the semester. Without a word, he 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.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook it lightly and the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He asked the students again if the jar was full, and they agreed that it was.
Next he picked up a box of sand and poured the entire contents into the jar. of course the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full and the students responded with a unanimous “yes.”
The professor then produced two cups of coffee and poured them 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 really important things - your God, your family, your moral values, your health, your friends, your real passions - things that if everything else was lost and only these remained, your would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that are also important - your job, your home, other relationships. The sand is everything else - the small stuff - entertainment, casual relationships, little pleasures, other possessions.
If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, it will fill it and there will be no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time, energy and money on the small stuff you will never have room for that which is most important to you. Pay attention to the things that are ultimate to your happiness. Play with your children. Telephone your mother. Take time to get medical check-ups. Cultivate your relationship to God. Take your partner out on a “date.” Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter. Get your priorities right. The rest is just sand.
One of the students raised her hand and asked what the coffee represented. The professor smiled and answered: “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life is, there is always room for a cup of coffee with a friend.”
