A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he picked up a large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He 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 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.

As the laughter subsided, the professor said, “‘Now, I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important thing – God, 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. Walk close with God. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit your grandparents. When was the last time you gave them a warmth hug? Take your spouse out to dinner. Say ‘I love you’ more often to your spouse. Find time to go for medical checkups. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and polish your car.”

“Take care of the golf balls first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand. Do not allow your vision to be obscured by a sand storm causing you to fail at keeping your priorities in line. Praying and asking God for help.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled and said, “I’m glad you asked. A major source of fulfillment in our lives is our friends. The coffee tells you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room to catch up with friends over coffee.”

2012 is coming to an end in 24 hours time. I take this opportunity to wish everyone “A BLESSED NEW YEAR IN 2013”. I will end this blog with this quote: HAPPINESS IS TO BE FORGIVEN. FORGIVENESS BRINGS HAPPINESS!

…

Author’s Notes:

I do not claim ownership to the above professor story. I received them from emails. I am sharing them hoping to bring brief encouragement to make your day just a little bit brighter – as “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” – Proverb 17:22.