I read this story on facebook and had to share...
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large, 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.
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 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 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.
"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 – 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 and so on.”
“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. Play with your children. Spend time with your parents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. Take time to get medical checkups. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the vacuum cleaner. Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities... Life is not a dress rehearsal... 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 cup of coffee with a friend."


I love that top! I love the buttons.
ReplyDeleteOh this is wonderful Vivienne! What an inspiring reading. I just love it...and your buttons.
ReplyDeleteOh I love the top - so interesting! Is it vintage?
ReplyDeleteI like combining peplum with classic blue denim. and how cute is your peplum top!
ReplyDeleteby the way, I don't completely agree with that philosophy because for exmple when I don't have a home and a job then how could I afford myself my passions/hobbies like photography and thrift shopping? having a job/home etc is as important as having family, health etc, at least in my opinion because in today's world we can't just be homeless and without money and still happy.. at least I could not. ther must be a balance between things.
Maiken,
Maikeni blogi - part of me
What a great story! I love that. There is always room for a cup of coffee with a friend. Or at least there should be!!
ReplyDeleteI like your top and the cute floral buttons on it! Very fun!
It takes me a while to realize that's the close-up of your buttons. Cute! I'm not big on peplum tops, but I must say this one looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that story before, but I'm so glad to read it again. Everyone needs a little reminder about what's really important from time to time. I love your peplum top with the cute buttons. I hope you had a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI've heard that story! It's brilliant! As a teacher, you probably also realise it is great to show that there is air between particles in porous solids!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour top is so so cute and pretty! I wish I had those daisy buttons!x
What a wonderful, thought-provoking story Vivienne! Hope you've had a great weekend. (Love those buttons!)
ReplyDeleteI loved reading that so Vivienne, that I forwarded it to my mom! I thank you for sharing that story. It has so much symbolism and meaning. I love your peplum top. The buttons on it are cute!
ReplyDeletei have heard this story before, but it's always nice to hear it again. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYours is a ton more cuter than the IM photo! I love your detailed close up, too. Yours is more fitting as to the season now. Glad to see you back and hope all is well for you now. I have heard that story before but with a different slant as to not being honest or not repenting or such.(?)hahaha. I loved your version. I'll probably remember yours more.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great reminder! Sometimes I just feel like my proverbial jar is packed full of whole, crushed, and liquid golf balls. Not a lot of room for the peripheral stuff. Thanks for posting, Vivienne!!! ~Sarah
ReplyDeleteThat is a fun, excellent match for the challenge. Very cute on you and I love the added flower designs. Now, can you believe it..as a teacher you have given me an inspiration for a lesson for my students. I am keeping he example with golf balls. I have seen similar...but Ya just forget some great ideas and a reminder like this is most fun. Hooray for teaching ideas out of blog time!
ReplyDeleteI really like your top much more that the inspiration photo :) This is a very good look for you!
ReplyDeletev, nice flower accents on your top! your look has your trademark yellow, cool bracelets, & just the right amount of whimsy. :) i think i've heard that story before. i needed to be reminded of those words again though.
ReplyDeleteWhat a heartfelt story, thanks for sharing. Now I don't feel so bad that my blog is a bit neglected, I've been focusing on golf balls and pebbles!{and reading this post was like a virtual cup of coffee straight from Seattle}
ReplyDeleteV, how are you? Hope work is going smoothly with your students and things at home are good. I really enjoyed this story. I may have read it before but I took my time reading it this time. It's so relevant to my life right now. Sometimes it's hard to unplug from the world and just spend time with people closest to you. When I'm not on blogger, facebook, instagram or words with friends, I take the time to play with Timothy kitty or watch a movie with Rob, it should be the other way around. What did I do before all these social media connections? Anyway, I love your sweet peplum top and I am excited for girl in green dress. Have a great week. Happy hallowenn. dawn suitcase vignettes xo
ReplyDeleteI love that story!!! And cute peplum top with the little flowers on it!
ReplyDeleteNeat story! I love the little things in life because sometimes they're all you have.
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