Archive for the 'Holidays' Category
When things in life seem too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of cocoa.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. 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. 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 cups of cocoa from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. “Now,” the jar is full 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 – God, family, children, health, friends, and your favorite passions — 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, 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 be healthy. 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 cocoa 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 cup of cocoa with a friend.”
It’s Christmas! - Take time to visit your best friend, give a copy of this story with a can of hot cocoa mix – and two special mugs – reminisce old times!
In Christ Who Was Born At Christmas
All Men May Live Again
Let us all remember
When our faith is running low,
Christ is more than just a figure
Wrapped in an ethereal glow–
For He came and dwelt among us
And he knows our every need
And He loves and understands us
And forgives each sinful deed–
He was crucified and buried
And rose again in glory
And His promise of salvation
Makes the wondrous Christmas Story
An abiding reassurance
That the little Christ Child’s birth
Was the beautiful beginning
of God’s Plan for PEACE on EARTH.
by Helen Steiner Rice