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, without a word he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about two inches across. 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 that 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 the students once more if the jar was full. They again agreed that it was. Then the professor bought two cups of coffee from under the table and poured in to the jar. The students start to laugh loud.

When they stopped to laugh the professor said: “Now”, said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your Christian commitments and your faith, your family – 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 studies or your work, your health, and your home.

“The sand is everything else – the small stuff. “If you put the sand into the jar first”, he continued, “There will be no room for the pebbles and the rocks. The same goes for your life.

“If you spend all your time and energy on the small things in life, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that have purpose and are meaningful.

Put God’s interests first, because that’s the place they deserve. Spend time with family, be diligent, and make sure you do the things you’ve promised to do. There will always be time for all those other things that interest you. “Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand!”

One of the student asked what is about the two cups of coffee.

The professor smiled: “I am glad you asked. This is just to show you that it doesn’t matter how full your life is there is enough room for a coffee with a friend…”

Adapted