The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee

Subject: The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee Wed 20 Feb 2008, 2:54 pm

The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee

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

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 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--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. Play with your children. 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 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."
_________________
Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Subject: Re: The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee Wed 20 Feb 2008, 3:34 pm

I loved it. Thanks, gayla

Subject: Re: The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee Wed 20 Feb 2008, 7:07 pm

Thanks Gayla
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Vicki

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Subject: Re: The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee Wed 20 Feb 2008, 7:15 pm

I've seen this before but it was nice to read it again, thanks Smile

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~ LESS IS MORE ~

Moderator Age : 28 Joined : 12 Oct 2006 Posts : 2020

thanks gayla

Subject: Re: The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee Thu 21 Feb 2008, 6:34 am

Oh I love this,,it is so true,,thanks for posting it,,Im gonna print it out and post it in my craft rrom!

Subject: Re: The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee Fri 22 Feb 2008, 6:53 pm

Ahhh Gayla, that was very warm and fuzzy cat

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Love is a fruit, in season at all times and within the reach of every hand. Anyone may gather it and no limit is set. ~ Mother Teresa