As 2013 comes to a close and we look forward to 2014 with its many exciting possibilities, I thought I’d share a little story that seems appropriate for this time of year – a time when it’s especially important to remember what truly matters in life. Not sure where this story originally came from, but it’s one that has always struck a chord with me personally and a good reminder to all of us to keep our priorities in check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope you and yours are enjoying the holiday season and I wish you all the very best in the coming year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Jay<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When the class began, wordlessly, he 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n “Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, <\/em>“I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things in life, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions–things that if everything else was lost and only they remained your life would still be full.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n