It’s an object lesson most everyone has heard of, but I was reminded of it today and having the visual image that this object lesson provides was something I really needed right now in my life. It’s the object lesson of the rocks, pebbles and sand:<\/p>\n
“A professor of philosophy stood before his class with some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about two inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full.\u00a0They agreed that it was full.<\/p>\n
Next the professor picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and watched as the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. The professor then asked the students again if the jar was full.\u00a0They chuckled and agreed that it was indeed full this time.<\/p>\n
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled the remaining open areas of the jar.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow,\u201d said the professor, \u201cI want you to recognize that this jar signifies your life. The rocks are the truly important things, such as family, health and relationships. If all else was lost and only the rocks remained, your life would still be meaningful. The pebbles are the other things that matter in your life, such as work or school. The sand signifies the remaining \u201csmall stuff\u201d and material possessions. If you put sand into the jar first, there is no room for the rocks or the pebbles. The same can be applied to your lives. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are truly important.<\/p>\n
Pay attention to the things in life that are critical to your happiness and well-being. Take time to get medical checkups, play with your children, go for a run, write your grandmother a letter. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, or fix the disposal.<\/p>\n
Take care of the rocks first \u2013 things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just pebbles and sand!”<\/p>\n
Great reminder to sit down and figure out what we want the rocks to be in our lives and to ensure we haven’t allowed sand and pebbles to fill up our jars before the rocks have been put in place.<\/p>\n
~Amy Rees Anderson<\/p>\n
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