JAR OF PICKLES AND COFFEE

Think of a 'Jar of pickles and Coffee' when you feel that you are losing control over your life. When 24 hours are not enough, think of a jar of pickles...and coffee.

The professor stood before a group of philosophy students in class and kept some items behind himself. When the class began, he silently raised his large, empty jar of pickles, put it on the chair and filled it with tennis balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that is was...The professor then picked up a box with pebbles and poured them into a jar. He shook the jar. The pebbles rolled into the empty spaces between the balls. He asked the students if the jar was full. Again, the answer was 'yes'. The next box that professor took, was full of sand. When it was poured, sand of course, fulfilled the remaining holes in the jar. He asked once more if the jar was full. Students, humbly replied that it was. Then professor pulled two cups filled with coffee under the table and poured it into the jar. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter died, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. Tennis balls are the important things in your life: your family, your children, your health, your faith and things you are passionate about...These are the things that make your life and still will be there, even if everything else was lost. The pebbles are the other things that are important: your job, your house and your car. Sand are the remaining things. The 'little things'. If you filled the jar with sand, there would be no room for pebbles and tennis balls. The same is true in life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for those important things. Beware of things that are critical to your happiness. First, play with your children. Second, find the time to go to the doctor. Third, take a partner out to dinner. Fourth, behave as if you are eighteen and a half again. Fifth, there will be always time to clean the house and repair things. First, take care of tennis balls-things that are really important. Determine your priorities. Everything else is sand.'

One student raised his hand and asked what did the coffee represent. The professor smiled, 'I'm glad you asked. I poured it to show you that no matter now much you think your life if full, there is always room for 'a cup of coffee with a friend.''