Kidscorner

Friday 20 June 2008

Golfballs and two glasses of wine

courtesy of google
We didn't get the old computer to work so we got a new one. The children are having a blast. It brings however new challenges. We didn't get the sound to work yet, don't know yet if we can use old software (XP) and old files again. A lot of work to do. But I found the following story to help me to get everything organised when 24 hours in a day is not enough: 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 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 open spaces 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 pored it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everywhere else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes". The professor then produced two glasses of wine 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 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, 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 golf balls or pebbles. 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 get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. Do one more run down the ski slope. 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 wine 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 glasses of wine with a friend." Cheers, marja

20 comments:

  1. very cool....I was about to sit down and write about priorities esp. when illness/weakness limits you. don't worry, I won't take your idea, but it is lovely!! : )

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  2. Marja, nice to see you blogging again, i know i have been out of the picture quite a lot, but it is nice to see you in action again, hope you are well, love, UL

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  3. Yep I liked it oh and always feel free to take an idea. I don't owe them.

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  4. That is such a good story. It does truly respresent what life is all about.

    If we can, in the moment, see it. So hard sometimes. Really, but if done, it can change everything...

    And, if I can get even more sappy... Thanks a ton for taking time out of your day for me. To come over and leave a comment to encourage me means a great deal to me... Thanks so much.. Kayce

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  5. Hi Marja,
    While surfing through the blogosphere, I landed at your door step( or is it blog step).I thought that I would rest my aching bones while reading your blog. But as I read , I got so fascinated that I will be returning often to read your wonderful posts. I liked the inspirational story of the professor very much. Do you mind if I share this story with my children?
    You sound home sick , but do not worry, though you are away from your home,you still are connected with your country.
    My best wishes to you and your family!
    Keep posting and smiling!!
    Cheers;
    Manohar

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  6. Marja,
    yay!!! you are finally BACK!!!

    This is a fantastic story and metaphor. I love it very much and yes, you can fill anything else if the sands go in first. Brilliant post, love it so much I read it twice :D

    Sarawak is part of Malaysia, rich with multi ethnicity and diversity. Wish you could go there one day.

    Have a fantastic and beautiful Sunday :)

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  7. UL so nice to see you again Hop everything is fine

    Yep steve love it

    Thanks KC That's why I like such stories

    Welcome Manohar happy you like my blog and of course share it with your children. It is good to get them thinking. YesI do miss my country sometimes and luckily there are many dutch people in NZ so in that way I still feel connected as well

    Hi m.kate I lovedthis story too.
    and I would love to go to sarawak one day. My dream is to traqvel many places

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  8. You always have such wonderful stories!
    I remember the one about the little boy with the watering can that leaked - so touching.

    So glad you are now re-connected to the world abd that grandma is a little better.
    Have a wonderful and peaceful weekend.

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  9. What a delightful story and full of practical wisdom too. Love it.

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  10. Good story, Marja. But if it were me I'da just slugged down both glasses of wine. >UUURP!< I'm an uncouth barbarian.

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  11. I loved the story, and I love your blog lol.

    The story is so true, it makes you realize that a better life is lived if you spend more time with the things that actually matter.

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  12. Oh great that you have a new computer; all your work will be done in less time and maybe you can blog so many like in the past.

    It is a real wonderful story about the professor.

    All your postings are so wonderful

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  13. I can't agree more. Lovely story. Good luck with your new computer.

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  14. Oh by the way ... Hup Holland Hup ... They are playing tonight!!

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  15. Marja, I appreciate your loyalty to my blog though I haven't had much opportunity to stop in here. Thank you.

    I really like this piece of wisdom you have posted and am not likely to forget such vivid images. I will resume drinking the wine once my hot flashes cease!

    Kat

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  16. Very nice story and I like it !

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  17. Great story Marja. I can always make time and room for a glass of wine or two :)

    Great to see you back and hope all is well with your hubby's mum now.

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  18. I'll second that! Cheers!

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  19. What a great story! I am sitting here in a thunderstorm this evening smiling because of your story! Thanks for the great thoughts and I'm going to share this too!

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Thank you!!