Take Care of Those Golf Balls

I've read a few posts this week about not sweating the small stuff. I came across this story and just had to share it...

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar...

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.

So 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 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 God, 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. 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. Spend time with God. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner 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."

Author Unknown - First appeared in 2001



The big priorities, such as children, family, friends, God (or what/whoever you believe in) are especially important to a few certain people. These things that they hold so dear are the only thing they have right now to pull them through hard times.

People such as Chief's friend, Ramona. She is a wife and a mother to 6 children. She is also battling terminal cancer and just had brain surgery. Sweet little boys, such as Ethan Loney, who will get his wings much too soon.

If you have a moment, please take the time to leave some uplifting words for Chief and her friend here. SupahMommy has a donation button on this post if you are able to help Ramona and her family. Ethan is a good friend of Jaden Duttine, who is also fighting his own fight. If you would like to leave some uplifting words for those sweet babies, feel free to do so.

Whether you keep these people in your heart and thoughts or pray, please help Ramona and Ethan find peace and hope that their family and friends can find the strength they need while going through this difficult journey.

And remember, take care of your golf balls.



Until next time....

4 comments:

BNM said...

I love it! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Ive heard it before but not the part with the coffee.. thats awesome!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the inspirational post. I am praying for Ramona and Ethan.

Kmama said...

I know this story...and I love it. It puts things is perspective. Thanks for sharing.

Shell said...

I just love this story.