Saints' Discussion Forums

The professor of philosophy stood before his class of students, placing a number of rocks, some small pebbles, a pile of sand and a large glass Jar in front of him.
He than, without saying a word, commenced to pick up the large empty glass jar and proceeded to fill it with the large rocks, He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then proceeded to place some of the pebbles into the jar; lightly shaking the jar the pebbles began to fill some of the remaining space left by the large rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor scooped up some sand and poured it into the jar. Tapping the jar now containing large rocks, small pebbles and sand. Of course, the sand filled the space left by the rock and pebbles. He then repeated his question , "is the jar full". Again the students agreed the jar was full.

"Now," said the professor, "imagine the jar represents your life. The rocks representing the important things - 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 represent the other things that matter in your life; like your job, your house, or your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff."

The Professor continued.

"If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same is true in our lives. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never find room for the important things in life. Take time to be with your family and children. There will always be time to go to work and clean the house."

The professor then said in conclusion,

"Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

Wise words. :)