The Good Stuff

In 2009 I was copied on an email that contained this story:  

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 glass 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 beers 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--- The Lord, 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.  Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. 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 you 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.

This story reminds me of the parables that Jesus told. It’s amazing how much more principles of life stay with us when explain in story form.  Found in Matthew 6, Jesus tells us not to worry about what we will eat or wear, or where we will live – these are the things unbelievers worry about. The same result of filling your jar with sand first; no room for the important things. Jesus implores us to seek the kingdom of God first and He will be sure to fill it with the good stuff.

 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33 King James Version (KJV).

**Lord, help me to be mindful of the things that fill my life.  Give me eyes to see those things that are not your kingdom or your righteousness. Give me the strength and wisdom to alter my priorities to include the fullness of the most important things first.  Forgive me for taking things into my own hands and free me from the burden of day to day worries by growing my faith. I love you and I trust you. **

Here is a link to some cool craft & gift ideas for filling jars:  http://www.thegunnysack.com/mason-jars