Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Mayonnaise Jar and Two Beers...

When I read this I knew this had been "around the world" a zillion times. I am posting this for three reasons.

1. It was a gift from my friend Ruth. Thank you.

2. It is never too often to have a GOOD lesson reinforced.

3. I wanted to save it to my blog so it wouldn't get lost in our file cabinet. I'm saving it for posterity.


When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

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 and 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 Beers 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.

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.

Spend time with your children.

Spend time with your parents.

Visit with grandparents.

Take time to get medical checkups.

Take your spouse out to dinner.

Play another 18.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

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 Beer represented.

The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'

The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.
~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God



Aside: If ever in Dublin you must visit The Gravity Bar at the top of the Guiness Brewery. The view of the city is exquisite!!!!!

Picture Ireland 2007 - Guiness Barrell Originally uploaded by adileo

6 comments:

  1. Absolutely wonderful, Cathy. I have seen this before but you are right, it deserves repitition and now I will also save it on my PC.

    How dearly I would love to go back to Ireland and then I would try your suggestion as we did not even know about The Gravity Bar.

    blessings and hugs,

    marcy

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  2. Great post!
    I've gotten this before too in an email, but every time I read it, every word rings true!
    Great idea to put it on your blog!
    All the best,
    Eileen

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  3. Oh Cathy, I haven't read this before and I love it, its almost worth reading every day to remind us what is important.
    Yes, last year my sister I visited Guiness Brewery which is also something I will never forget. So loved Ireland, Cathy, I am going back, not sure when but I am going back....Have a great day my friend,......:-) Hugs

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  4. It's been many years since I saw this. Words of wisdom, and happy to have this reminder!

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Your insightful comments are appreciated and I want all to feel comfortable and welcome.