When your workload seems almost too much to handle; when you haven't seen your family in days; when your little ones call to ask when Daddy (or Mommy) is coming home - - think of the following story.
A Law Professor stood before his Senior graduating class with some items in front of him. When the class began, he picked up a large empty jar and proceeded to fill it to the top with golf balls. He then asked the class if the jar was full. They all agreed that it was.
The Professor then picked up a handful of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar, and the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the class again if the jar was full. They all agreed that it was.
The Professor next picked up a box of sand and poured that into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked the class once more if the jar was full. The class responded with a unanimous "yes."
Then the Professor produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the contents of both cans into the jar - - effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students all laughed.
"Now," said the Professor as the laughter subsided, I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls represent the important things in your life - - 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 ppebbles represent the other things that matter such as your job, your house and your car."
"The sand represents everything else - - the small stuff."
"If you put the sand into the jar first, he commented, there would be 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 truly 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."
"There will always be time to do those things in the office that one does way past 7:00 p.m. or on Saturday's and Sunday's."
"Take care of the 'golf ball items' first. 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 your 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."
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