We are reposting this story to remind everyone that one of the best ways of living our lives is by identifying and taking care of the important things that we have.
The important things in life are those that remain close to us no matter where we go and no matter what would happen to us. They are not actually things but persons. They are the ones who continue to love us for what we are.
The other things are the ones that help to make us happy, successful, respected, and fulfilled. They are the education, profession, career, and material possessions that we have. They are able to make us happy indeed, but they can occupy the space that the more important “things” used to have in our lives if we prioritize them.
Here’s your daily uplifting story that can help to make your realize the value of important things in your life.
A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, without words he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.
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 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 once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – 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 job, your house, 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 rocks. The same goes for your 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. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
