Friday, March 5, 2010

The Mayonnaise Jar


The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,

When 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and start to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then 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 an 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. 'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - Faith, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and 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.. So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. 'Take care of the golf balls first -- The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.' One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Please share this with other "Golf Balls"
I just did........

12 comments:

  1. I love this story it was very powerful!!~

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  2. This is wonderful. What an example of life. I read this to my son, he almost cried. So true. Hugs, Marty

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  3. I have read this several times and always enjoy it again. It is so true! Thanks for sharing.
    Enjoy your weekend.

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  4. Thanks girl I really needed that today...I'm running like a chicken with its head cut off...Hope you have a GREAT weekend my friend...Thank you for coming by I always love your visits...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  5. Such a wonderful reminder Janette!

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  6. Jeanette,
    Just what I needed today!
    Dee Dee

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  7. Jeanette, I had heard this story before and I love it each time I hear it! It is a wonderful reminder of the things that really matter.
    Blessings,
    Donna

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  8. super story!! great reminder!! glad I stopped by(: new follower!!love your header..

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  9. I really love this, thank you for sharing it.

    Sue

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  10. Oh, that is sweet. I love it. I'll pass that onto my kids. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  11. This is so true! Thank you for sharing this with us!

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  12. What a great post....what a great story...Thank you for sharing it...

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